Expression and localization of Smad5 gene in mouse cochlea / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the expression of Smad5 gene in the cochlea and to identify its location. Methods Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect the expression of Smad5, the in situ hybridization and the immunohistochemical technique were used to localize the Smad5 messenger RNA and the Smad5 protein in mouse cochlea. Results Smad5 gene expressed in cochlea at a high level. Smad5 expression was concentrated in supporting cell, hair cell, spiral ganglion, epithelium of stria vascularis and basilar membrane. Conclusion The Smad5 proteins exist in the mouse cochlea and it may be involved in the cochlear formation and the differentiation of hair cell. Smad5 might be an essential factor for the development of normal cochlea.