Notch1 is Required to Maintain Supporting Cell Identity and Vestibular Function during Maturation of the Mammalian Balance Organs

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1365-24.2024
• Publication Date: 2025-01-08T18:50:24Z
• Authors: Alison Heffer; Choongheon Lee; Joseph P. Mayernik; Joseph C. Holt; Amy E. Kiernan
• Keywords: Cell type; Stimulus modality

The inner ear houses both hearing and balance sensory modalities. organs consist of similar cell types, including hair cells associated supporting cells. Previously we showed that Notch1 is required for maintaining survival during cochlear maturation. To understand the role Notch vestibular maturation, deleted from male female mice at birth. Histological analyses a reduction accompanied by an increase in type II cells, indicating conversion to Analysis mature indicate converted survive, despite severe Vestibular evoked potentials (VsEPs), thought be generated within striola regions maculae, were absent, NOTCH1 critical striolar function. Specialized I failed develop complex calyces typical these mutants did not exhibit behaviors such as circling head shaking, but difficulties with tests swimming. These results that, unlike cochlea, retain plasticity convert which can survive into adulthood. Despite survival, function compromised likely due loss altered innervation. Significance Statement While has been investigated thoroughly development less known about how regulates Here, show deletion physiological behavioral dysfunction 3 months age. In contrast retained ability survived However, some specialized central region reduced innervated properly. maturation manipulated altering signaling.