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Indispensable Role of Ion Channels and Transporters in the Auditory System
Author(s) -
Mittal Rahul,
Aranke Mayank,
Debs Luca H.,
Nguyen Desiree,
Patel Amit P.,
Grati M'hamed,
Mittal Jeenu,
Yan Denise,
Chapagain Prem,
Eshraghi Adrien A.,
Liu Xue Zhong
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/jcp.25631
Subject(s) - endolymph , endocochlear potential , ion channel , inner ear , cochlea , auditory system , hair cell , ion transporter , neuroscience , chemistry , biophysics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , ion , biochemistry , organic chemistry , receptor
Ear is a complex system where appropriate ionic composition is essential for maintaining the tissue homeostasis and hearing function. Ion transporters and channels present in the auditory system plays a crucial role in maintaining proper ionic composition in the ear. The extracellular fluid, called endolymph, found in the cochlea of the mammalian inner ear is particularly unique due to its electrochemical properties. At an endocochlear potential of about +80 mV, signaling initiated by acoustic stimuli at the level of the hair cells is dependent on the unusually high potassium (K + ) concentration of endolymph. There are ion channels and transporters that exists in the ear to ensure that K + is continually being cycled into the stria media endolymph. This review is focused on the discussion of the molecular and genetic basis of previously and newly recognized ion channels and transporters that support sensory hair cell excitation based on recent knock‐in and knock‐out studies of these channels. This article also addresses the molecular and genetic defects and the pathophysiology behind Meniere's disease as well as how the dysregulation of these ion transporters can result in severe defects in hearing or even deafness. Understanding the role of ion channels and transporters in the auditory system will facilitate in designing effective treatment modalities against ear disorders including Meniere's disease and hearing loss. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 743–758, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.