Open AccessThe cochlear outer hair cell speed paradox
Author(s) -
Richard D. Rabbitt
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2003838117
Subject(s) - cochlea , hair cell , capacitive sensing , prestin , biophysics , strain (injury) , laser , materials science , optoelectronics , chemistry , physics , biology , neuroscience , computer science , optics , anatomy , operating system
Significance Mammalian hearing requires outer hair cells for amplification and tuning in the cochlea. The amplification process works at frequencies at least 10 times higher than might be expected based on electrical properties of the cells. The present report demonstrates how protein-dependent membrane piezoelectricity underlies high-frequency function, and why power output is maximum at frequencies much higher than would be predicted based on traditional experimental measurements. The interplay between electrical charge displacement and mechanical strain in the membrane motor is key. The same biophysical principles identify the origins of infrared laser-induced capacitive currents reported previously in hair cells, HEK cells, and neurons.