ABSTRACT
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are the largest subfamily of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, and they play important roles in the development of numerous organs, including the inner ear. The inner ear is a relatively small organ but has a highly complex structure and is involved in both hearing and balance. Here, we discuss BMPs and BMP signaling pathways and then focus on the role of BMP signal pathway regulation in the development of the inner ear and the implications this has for the treatment of human hearing loss and balance dysfunction.
Subject(s)
Humans , Body Patterning , Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors/physiology , Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/physiology , Cell Differentiation , Cochlea/embryology , Ear, Inner/embryology , Hedgehog Proteins/physiology , Signal Transduction/physiology , Smad Proteins/physiology , Vestibule, Labyrinth/embryology , Wnt Signaling PathwayABSTRACT
Thirty-six rat embryos were used in this study. The development of the cochlea from the 10th day of gestation to full term was recorded. The developing cochlear duct started coiling at the 12th embryonic day and reached its final coiling by the 19th day. The cochlear duct epithelium of the basal coil started differentiation at the 15th gestational day, and matured to inner hair cells, tunnel of Corti and outer hair cells at the 17th day. Differentiation proceeded from the basal to the apical coil. Innervation of the sensory epithelium was found to follow its cytodifferentation The limbus spiralis and the stria vascularis started development at the 17th gestational day but were still immature at full term