Identification of differentially expressed genes in early inner ear development

Abstract

To understand the etiology of congenital hearing loss, we must gain a comprehension understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying normal ear development. Our lab is identifying genes and their mechanisms of action that lead to inner ear initiation and development. Using Agilent microarrays, we compared the differential expression of the pre‐otic placodal domain with an adjacent rostral control tissue (a domain that is competent, but not specified, to form otic tissue). We identified 1,261 transcripts differentially expressed between the two tissues at a change of 2‐fold or greater: 463 were up regulated in the pre‐otic domain, and 798 were upregulated in the control tissue. We have validated the pre‐otic expression of several signaling molecules and transcription factors identified in this array using in situ hybridization. Furthermore, the expression patterns of this group of genes were explored in detail to determine how the timing of their expression relates to specific events of otic induction and development. In conclusion, a number of novel candidate genes for otic placode induction have been identified. Funded by the Deafness Research Foundation and the NIH.Grant Funding SourceDeafness Research Foundation and NIH