Atomic force microscopic imaging of the intracellular membrane surface of prestin-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells

H. Wada, M. Murakoshi, K. Iida, S. Kumano, T. Gomi, K. Kimura, H. Usukura, M. Sugawara, S. Kakehata, K. Ikeda, Y. Katori, T. Kobayashi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The high sensitivity of human hearing is believed to be achieved by cochlear amplification. The basis of this amplification is thought to be the motility of mammalian outer hair cells (OHCs), i.e., OHCs elongate and contract in response to acoustical stimulation. This motility is made possible by both the cytoskeleton beneath the OHC plasma membrane and the motor protein prestin distributed throughout the plasma membrane. However, these factors have not yet been fully clarified. In the present study, therefore, attempts were made to observe the ultrastructure of the cytoskeleton of Guinea pig OHCs and to identify the motor protein prestin expressed in the plasma membrane of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results indicate that the OHC cytoskeleton is comprised of circumferential actin filaments and spectrin cross-links and that particle-like structures with a diameter of 8–12 nm which exist in the plasma membrane of the prestin-expressing CHO cells are most likely be prestin.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAuditory Mechanisms
Subtitle of host publicationProcesses and Models - Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium
EditorsAlfred L. Nuttall, Tianying Ren, Peter Gillespie, Karl Grosh, Egbert de Boer
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd
Pages26-33
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9812568247, 9789812568243
Publication statusPublished - 2005
Event9th International Mechanics of Hearing Workshop on Auditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models, MoH 2005 - Portland, United States
Duration: 2005 Jul 232005 Jul 28

Publication series

NameAuditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models - Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium

Conference

Conference9th International Mechanics of Hearing Workshop on Auditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models, MoH 2005
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period05/7/2305/7/28

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