Harmonin Mutations Cause Mechanotransduction Defects in Cochlear Hair Cells

Nicolas Grillet, Wei Xiong, Anna Reynolds, Piotr Kazmierczak, Takashi Sato, Concepcion Lillo, Rachel A. Dumont, Edith Hintermann, Anna Sczaniecka, Martin Schwander, David Williams, Bechara Kachar, Peter G. Gillespie, Ulrich Müller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

134 Scopus citations

Abstract

In hair cells, mechanotransduction channels are gated by tip links, the extracellular filaments that consist of cadherin 23 (CDH23) and protocadherin 15 (PCDH15) and connect the stereocilia of each hair cell. However, which molecules mediate cadherin function at tip links is not known. Here we show that the PDZ-domain protein harmonin is a component of the upper tip-link density (UTLD), where CDH23 inserts into the stereociliary membrane. Harmonin domains that mediate interactions with CDH23 and F-actin control harmonin localization in stereocilia and are necessary for normal hearing. In mice expressing a mutant harmonin protein that prevents UTLD formation, the sensitivity of hair bundles to mechanical stimulation is reduced. We conclude that harmonin is a UTLD component and contributes to establishing the sensitivity of mechanotransduction channels to displacement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)375-387
Number of pages13
JournalNeuron
Volume62
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 14 2009

Keywords

  • CELLBIO
  • HUMDISEASE
  • MOLNEURO

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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