Kremen1 Regulates the Regenerative Capacity of Support Cells and Mechanosensory Hair Cells in the Zebrafish Lateral Line

Mechanosensory hair cells in the inner ear mediate the sensations of hearing and balance, and in the specialized lateral line sensory system of aquatic vertebrates, the sensation of water movement. In mammals, hair cells lack the ability to regenerate following damage, resulting in sensory deficits. In contrast, non-mammalian vertebrates, such as zebrafish, can renew hair cells throughout their lifespan. Wnt signaling is required for development of inner ear and lateral line hair cells and regulates regeneration. Kremen1 inhibits Wnt signaling and hair cell formation, though its role in regeneration is unknown. We used a zebrafish mutant line to show overactive Wnt signaling results in supernumerary support cells and hair cell regeneration without increased proliferation, in contrast with the previously described role of Wnt signaling during hair cell regeneration. This work allows us to understand the biology of mechanosensory hair cells and how regeneration might be promoted following damage.