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First published online February 13, 2009
Journal of Experimental Biology 212, 639-647 (2009)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2009
doi: 10.1242/jeb.022798
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Plasma membrane calcium ATPase required for semicircular canal formation and otolith growth in the zebrafish inner ear

Shelly Cruz1, Jen-Chieh Shiao2,*, Bo-Kai Liao1, Chang-Jen Huang3,4 and Pung-Pung Hwang1,4,*

1 Institute of Fisheries Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
2 Institute of Oceanography, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
3 Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
4 Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan

* Authors for correspondence (e-mails: jcshiao{at}ntu.edu.tw; pphwang{at}gate.sinica.edu.tw)

Accepted 24 November 2008

Fish otoliths consist of >90% calcium carbonate, the accretion of which depends on acellular endolymph. This study confirms the presence of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1a isoform (Atp2b1a) in the auditory and vestibular system of a teleost fish. As shown by in situ hybridization, zebrafish atp2b1a is expressed mainly in larval otic placode and lateral-line neuromast as well as in the hair cells within the adult zebrafish inner ear chamber. Zebrafish atp2b1a knockdown by antisense morpholinos reduced the number of hair cells and produced malformation of semicircular canals and smaller otoliths. These defects coincide with unbalanced body orientation. The formation of smaller otoliths in atp2b1a morphants may stem from an impairment of calcium supply in the endolymph. However, otolith formation persists in most morphants, suggesting that other zebrafish Atp2b isoforms or paracellular pathways may also transport calcium into the endolymph. These results suggest that Atp2b1a plays an important role for normal development of the auditory and vestibular system as well as calcium transport in the inner ear of zebrafish.

Key words: labyrinth, auditory system, deafness, vestibule, calcium transport, otolith


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