2016
Expression and function of pannexins in the inner ear and hearing
Zhao H. Expression and function of pannexins in the inner ear and hearing. BMC Molecular And Cell Biology 2016, 17: 16. PMID: 27229462, PMCID: PMC4896268, DOI: 10.1186/s12860-016-0095-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFunction of pannexinsAuditory sensory hair cellsDistinct expression patternsCell apoptotic pathwaysGap junction genesSensory hair cellsGap junction proteinGene familyATP releaseExpression patternsApoptotic pathwayEndocochlear potentialJunction genesPannexinsActive cochlear amplificationPannexin expressionLateral wallCochlear lateral wallJunction proteinsOrgan of CortiHair cellsCritical roleCochlear amplificationIsoformsStria vascularis
2015
Connexin26 gap junction mediates miRNA intercellular genetic communication in the cochlea and is required for inner ear development
Zhu Y, Zong L, Mei L, Zhao H. Connexin26 gap junction mediates miRNA intercellular genetic communication in the cochlea and is required for inner ear development. Scientific Reports 2015, 5: 15647. PMID: 26490746, PMCID: PMC4614881, DOI: 10.1038/srep15647.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGenetic communicationOrgan developmentInner ear gap junctionsIntercellular communicationGap junctionsCochlear developmentInner ear developmentNon-coding RNAsCx26 knockout miceEar developmentGene expressionIntercellular transferCx26 deficiencyMiR-96 expressionCx30 deficiencyDevelopmental disordersPredominant isoformCell proliferationDeletionCx26Critical roleKnockout miceExpressionMiRNAsMicroRNAs
2014
The role of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel (Kir4.1) in the inner ear and hearing loss
Chen J, Zhao H. The role of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel (Kir4.1) in the inner ear and hearing loss. Neuroscience 2014, 265: 137-146. PMID: 24480364, PMCID: PMC4007161, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.01.036.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsInner earGanglion neuronsHearing lossSpiral ganglion neuron degenerationPotassium channelsSatellite glial cellsSpiral ganglion neuronsKir4.1 potassium channelsPathogenesis of deafnessPotassium channel functionNeuron degenerationSeSAME syndromeFunctional impairmentGlial cellsCochlear ganglionTherapeutic strategiesKir4.1 channelsCochlear developmentStria vascularisKir4.1 subunitKir4.1Scala mediaIntermediate cellsAbsence of EpEar
2005
Gap junctional hemichannel-mediated ATP release and hearing controls in the inner ear
Zhao H, Yu N, Fleming C. Gap junctional hemichannel-mediated ATP release and hearing controls in the inner ear. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2005, 102: 18724-18729. PMID: 16344488, PMCID: PMC1317927, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0506481102.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHemichannel-mediated ATP releaseHair cellsGap junctional blockerActive cochlear amplifierAuditory sensory hair cellsSensory hair cellsEffect of ATPP2 receptorsExtracellular Ca2OHC electromotilityCochlear sensitivityATP releaseConnexin gap junctionsExtracellular ATPConnexin expressionInner earImmunofluorescent stainingHearing controlsHearing sensitivityOuter hair cell electromotilityCochleaHair cell electromotilityConnexin hemichannelsCochlear fluidsGap junctional channels