auditory receptor cell fate commitment

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which the cellular identity of auditory hair cells is acquired and determined. [GOC:lr]

Auditory receptor cell fate commitment is a complex process that involves the precise coordination of multiple signaling pathways and transcription factors. This process begins with the specification of the otic placode, a group of ectodermal cells destined to form the inner ear. Within the otic placode, a subset of cells will acquire the fate of auditory receptor cells.

This commitment is driven by a combination of intrinsic factors and extrinsic cues. Intrinsic factors include the expression of specific transcription factors, such as Pax2, Sox2, and Gata3, which are essential for otic placode development. Extrinsic cues include signals from surrounding tissues, such as the notochord and the surface ectoderm, which provide positional information and influence the fate of otic placode cells.

Once the otic placode is specified, cells within the placode undergo a series of differentiation steps to become auditory receptor cells. These steps include:

1. **Sensory Progenitor Formation:** Progenitor cells are generated from the otic placode and express transcription factors like Atoh1 and Neurog1. These factors are essential for the specification of sensory progenitors, which are the precursors of auditory receptor cells.
2. **Hair Cell Differentiation:** Sensory progenitors differentiate into hair cells, the mechanosensory cells responsible for detecting sound vibrations. This differentiation involves the expression of genes that encode hair cell-specific proteins, such as Myosin VI, Cadherin 23, and Pcdh15.
3. **Supporting Cell Differentiation:** A subset of sensory progenitors differentiates into supporting cells, which provide structural and metabolic support to hair cells. Supporting cells express specific markers such as Sox10 and Gfap.
4. **Maturation and Synapse Formation:** Mature hair cells establish synapses with auditory neurons, forming the auditory nerve. This process involves the expression of synapse-specific proteins, such as synaptotagmin and SNAP25.

The precise molecular mechanisms underlying auditory receptor cell fate commitment are still being elucidated. However, it is clear that this process is highly regulated and involves a complex interplay of genes, signaling pathways, and environmental cues. This complex regulation ensures the proper development and function of the auditory system.'
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