TMC1 and TMC2 Are Components of the Mechanotransduction Channel in Hair Cells of the Mammalian Inner Ear

Overview

Journal Neuron

Publisher Cell Press

Specialty Neurology

Date 2013 Jul 23

PMID 23871232

Citations 239

Authors

Bifeng Pan

Gwenaelle S Geleoc

Yukako Asai

Geoffrey C Horwitz

Kiyoto Kurima

Kotaro Ishikawa

Yoshiyuki Kawashima

Andrew J Griffith

Jeffrey R Holt

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Sensory transduction in auditory and vestibular hair cells requires expression of transmembrane channel-like (Tmc) 1 and 2 genes, but the function of these genes is unknown. To investigate the hypothesis that TMC1 and TMC2 proteins are components of the mechanosensitive ion channels that convert mechanical information into electrical signals, we recorded whole-cell and single-channel currents from mouse hair cells that expressed Tmc1, Tmc2, or mutant Tmc1. Cells that expressed Tmc2 had high calcium permeability and large single-channel currents, while cells with mutant Tmc1 had reduced calcium permeability and reduced single-channel currents. Cells that expressed Tmc1 and Tmc2 had a broad range of single-channel currents, suggesting multiple heteromeric assemblies of TMC subunits. The data demonstrate TMC1 and TMC2 are components of hair cell transduction channels and contribute to permeation properties. Gradients in TMC channel composition may also contribute to variation in sensory transduction along the tonotopic axis of the mammalian cochlea.

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