Id1 induces the proliferation of cochlear sensory epithelial cells via the nuclear factor-kappaB/cyclin D1 pathway in vitro.

Inhibitors of differentiation (Id) play an essential role in the neurogenesis of the central nervous system. However, the expression and function of Id in the development of cochlear sensory epithelial cells have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate the Id1 gene was expressed in the rapidly growing otocyst on embryonic day 12 (E12) and in the organ of Corti, spiral ganglions, and stria vascularis on postnatal day 1 (P1) by cellular and molecular biologic techniques.

Characterization of inhibitor of differentiation (Id3) gene expression in the developing cochlear tissue of rats.

Conclusion: The Id3 gene is expressed in the developing cochlear tissue and participates in the development of cochlear progenitor hair cells during the embryonic stage.

Objectives: Inhibitor of differentiation (Id3) is an important transcription factor expressed in the cochlear tissue and progenitor hair cells. It is likely to be involved in cell-cycle progression and the proliferation of cochlear progenitor hair cells during the embryonic stage.

Expression of the integrin genes in the developing cochlea of rats.

Integrins play an important role in the development of the cochlea. However, little is known about the expression pattern of integrins in the developing cochlear tissue. In this study, we investigated the dynamic expression profile of the integrin genes in the developing cochlear tissue of rats by Affymetrix microarrays and explored the role of the integrin genes in vitro by using antisense oligonucleotides.

Expression of platelet-derived growth factor in the developing cochlea of rats.

Objective: Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is involved in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival in various tissues of vertebrates. However, little is known about the expression of PDGF in the developing cochlea of rodents.

Material And Methods: We examined the expression of PDGF family genes in the developing cochlear tissue of rats using microarrays and tested their role in the proliferation of progenitor hair cells using cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Establishment and characterization of rat progenitor hair cell lines.

Cochlear progenitor hair cell lines are useful for studies of cellular specification, gene expression features, and signal transduction involved in the development of hair cells. To obtain embryonic and postnatal cochlear progenitor hair cell lines, we immortalized primary cultures of sensorineural epithelial cells from otocysts on embryonic day 12 (E12) and explants of the organ of Corti tissues on postnatal day 5 (P5). Primary cultures and explants were then transduced by the E6/E7 genes of human papilloma virus type 16.

Identification of gene expression profiles in rat ears with cDNA microarrays.

The physiological processes of hearing implicate thousands of molecules acting in harmony; however, their identities are only partially understood. We used cDNA microarrays containing 1,176 genes to identify >150 genes expressed in rat middle and inner ear tissue. Expressed genes covered several gene families and biological pathways, many of which have previously not been described.

Feline immunodeficiency virus-mediated gene therapy of middle ear mucosa cells.

Hypothesis: To investigate the feasibility of gene therapy of the middle ear mucosa using a novel vector.

Background: Given present medications are unable to affect chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, or tympanic membrane perforation, newer methods of treatment like gene therapy for these diseases must be explored. These genes can then be used to alter cytokines in the middle ear, slow or stop cholesteatoma growth, or improve tympanic membrane perforation healing.