Selective and transient expression of a native chondroitin sulfate epitope in Deiters’ cells, pillar cells, and the developing tectorial membrane
Abstract
The tectorial membrane (TM) is an acellular connective tissue overlying the sensory hair cells of the organ of Corti. Association of the tectorial membrane with the stereocilia of the sensory hair cells is necessary for proper auditory function. During development, the mature tectorial membrane is thought to arise by fusion of a “major” and “minor” tectorial membrane (Lim, Hear Res 1986;22:117–146). Several proteins and glycoconjugates have been detected in the developing TM; however, the specific molecules which mediate fusion of the two components of the TM have not been identified. In the present study, a novel monoclonal antibody (TC2) that recognizes a native epitope on glycosaminoglycans enriched in chondroitin-4-sulfate revealed a transient and restricted expression in the developing gerbil TM. The localization patterns suggest that Deiters’ and pillar cells secrete a TC2-positive matrix prior to birth that later becomes incorporated into the marginal band and superior layer (cover net) of the TM. The developmental timecourse and patterns of TC2 reactivity suggest that this molecule may play a critical role in the fusion of the minor TM with the major TM.
Repository Citation
Bianchi, L.M., H. Liu, E.L. Krug, and A.A. Capehart. 1999. "Selective and transient expression of a native chondroitin sulfate epitope in Deiters’ cells, pillar cells, and the developing tectorial membrane." Anatomical Record 256(1): 64-71.
Publisher
Wiley-Liss
Publication Date
9-1-1999
Publication Title
Anatomical Record
Department
Neuroscience
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0185(19990901)256:1<64::AID-AR8>3.0.CO;2-H
Keywords
Cochlea, Organ of Corti, Gerbil, Glycosaminoglycan, Chondroitin-4-sulfate
Language
English
Format
text
