Phase separation-mediated condensation of Whirlin-Myo15-Eps8 stereocilia tip complex

• DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108770
• Publication Date: 2021-02-23T23:04:11Z
• Authors: Lin Lin; Yingdong Shi; Mengli Wang; Chao Wang; Qing Lu; Jinwei Zhu; Rongguang Zhang
• Keywords: Stereocilia (inner ear); Organelle

Stereocilia, the mechanosensory organelles on apical surface of hair cells, are necessary to detect sound and carry out mechano-electrical transduction. An electron-dense matrix is located at distal tips stereocilia plays crucial roles in regulation morphology. Mutations components this tip complex density (TCD) have been associated with profound deafness. However, mechanism underlying formation TCD largely unknown. Here, we discover that specific multivalent interactions among Whirlin-myosin 15 (Myo15)-Eps8 lead TCD-like condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation. The reconstituted effectively promote actin bundling. A deafness-associated mutation Myo15 interferes consequently impairs Therefore, our study not only suggests cell may form via separation but it also provides important clues for possible hearing loss.