Potential of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons for Synapse Formation With Auditory Hair Cells
Potential of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons for Synapse Formation With Auditory Hair Cells
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DOI：
10.1002/jnr.21754
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发表时间：
2008-11-01
影响因子：
4.2
通讯作者：
Ito, Juichi
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Matsumoto, Masahiro;Nakagawa, Takayuki;Ito, Juichi
Recent studies have indicated that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be a source for the replacement of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), auditory primary neurons, and neurite projections from ESC-derived neurons to auditory sensory epithelia. However, the potential of ESC-derived neurons for synapse formation with auditory hair cells (HCs) has not been elucidated. The present study therefore aimed to examine the ability of ESC-derived neurons to form synaptic connections with HCs in vitro. Mouse ESC-derived neural progenitors expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) were cocultured with explants of cochlea sensory epithelia obtained from postnatal day 3 mice. After a 7-day culture, neurites of ESC-derived neurons predominantly elongated toward inner hair cells (IHCs), which play a crucial role in sound transmission to SGNs. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the expression of synapsin 1 and synaptophysin in the nerve endings of ESC-derived neurons adjacent to IHCs, indicating the formation of synaptic connections. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated synaptic contacts between nerve endings of ESC-derived neurons and IHCs. The present findings show that ESC-derived neurons can make synaptic connections with IHCs. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
