Efferent control of synchronization in systems of coupled hair cells
Abstract
Prestin is a somatic molecular protein, found in the plasma membrane of outer hair cells of the mammalian cochlea. Prestin detects a change in the transmembrane potential of a hair cell and undergoes a conformational change, which causes cell contraction or elongation. The process can reach exceptional speeds, with approximately microsecond time constants. As a result, it has been proposed that prestin plays an important role in sound amplification in the cochlea, especially in the high frequency regime, reaching up to 80 kHz. However, the mechanism of prestin-based amplification at high frequencies is not yet fully understood. It is not yet known how the electromotile response circumvents the low-pass filtering by the membrane time constant. Therefore, we will explore whether somatic conformational changes may be more directly evoked by mechanical stimuli, and how they provide feedback on hair bundle motion. To investigate the mechanosensitivity of prestin, we require a precise tool that can specifically target and mechanically actuate prestin. We will hence apply and develop a probe that uses magnetic nanoparticles to study the biomechanics of prestin. Due to their nanoscale size, magnetic nanoparticles can target individual molecules, and apply mechanical stimulation in a precise and remotely controlled fashion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310713
Entities
People
- Dolores Bozovic
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, Los Angeles