成田 裕一
名古屋文理大学健康生活学部
Kajari Karmakar
Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research
Sébastien Ducret
Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research
Filippo M. Rijli
Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research
発行日
抄録
Sound vibration is sensed by hair cells in the inner ear. The information is transmitted to the cochlear nucleus in the
brainstem via spiral ganglion neurons. The information is further transmitted to higher relaying centers in the brain such
as superior olivary complex and inferior colliculus. The connectivity between these components is topographically
organized in a frequency-specific manner. It is known that the organization is well-established from the beginning of the
circuit development. However, little is still known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of
connectivity in the auditory circuit. Homeobox transcription factors of the Hox gene family are known for their
involvement in early anterior-posterior axis patterning of neuronal progenitors in the hindbrain. Recent evidence
indicates that they also play important roles in late aspects of neuronal development and establishment of topographic
circuitry. Moreover, a mutation in the HOXA2 gene has been recently shown to be responsible for hearing deficits in
humans. By means of spatiotemporally controlled Hoxa2 and Hoxb2 conditional mutations in the mouse we analyzed the
involvement of these factors in auditory circuit development and connectivity.
備考
特別講演要旨 (Summary of Special Lecture)