β-Catenin transcriptional activity is required for establishment of inner pillar cell identity during cochlear development

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010925
• Publication Date: 2023-08-28T17:34:55Z
• Authors: Michael Ebeid; Ippei Kishimoto; Pooja Roy; Mohd Ali Abbas Zaidi; Alan G. Cheng; Sung-Ho Huh
• Keywords: Beta-catenin

The mammalian cochlea is composed of sensory hair cells as well multiple different types non-sensory supporting cells. Pillar are one type cell that form the tunnel Corti and include two morphologically functionally distinct subtypes: inner pillar (IPCs) outer (OPCs). processes specification differentiation versus still unclear. Here, we show β-Catenin required for establishing IPC identity in cochlea. To differentiate transcriptional adhesion roles identity, examined models deletion; deletes both structural functions which retains function but lacks function. cochleae lacking lost IPCs displayed extranumerary OPCs, indicating its requirement identity. Overexpression induced proliferation within not ectopic IPCs. Single-cell transcriptomes a loss gain OPC signatures. Finally, targeted deletion also led to autonomous role As have capacity regenerate postnatal cochlea, our results will aid future IPC-based regeneration strategies.