Abstract

The distribution of tropomyosin, actin and tubulin in the supporting cells of the organ of Corti was studied by immunofluorescent localization of antibodies to these proteins. Tropomyosin colocalizes with actin and tubulin in the regions of the tunnel pillar and Deiters cells where actin microfilaments and microtubules had previously been observed ultrastructurally. Despite the implications of the presence of antiparallel actin filaments in the supporting cells, the presence of tropomyosin and the absence of myosin suggest that the role of tropomyosin may be to confer rigidity to the actin filaments. Thus the primary function of the cytoskeletal proteins in the supporting cells may be structural.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.