Development of the Mouse Inner Ear and Origin of Its Sensory Organs

TLDR

The molecular mechanisms governing mammalian inner ear morphogenesis and differentiation remain largely unknown. The study aims to elucidate normal inner ear development using two complementary approaches. Researchers mapped gross labyrinth development in mouse embryos (10.25–17 dpc) by paint filling and identified sensory organ origins using BMP4 and Fng markers. BMP4 and Fng expression revealed that the posterior crista appears first at 11.5 dpc, followed by other cristae and maculae at 12 dpc, with the cochlea and macula sacculi emerging simultaneously but diverging by 13 dpc, indicating shared origins among certain sensory organs.

Abstract

The molecular mechanisms dictating the morphogenesis and differentiation of the mammalian inner ear are largely unknown. To better elucidate the normal development of this organ, two approaches were taken. First, the membranous labyrinths of mouse inner ears ranging from 10.25 to 17 d postcoitum (dpc) were filled with paint to reveal their gross development. Particular attention was focused on the developing utricle, saccule, and cochlea. Second, we used bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and lunatic fringe (Fng) as molecular markers to identify the origin of the sensory structures. Our data showed that BMP4 was an early marker for the superior, lateral, and posterior cristae, whereas Fng served as an early marker for the macula utriculi, macula sacculi, and the sensory portion of the cochlea. The posterior crista was the first organ to appear at 11.5 dpc and was followed by the superior crista, the lateral crista, and the macula utriculi at 12 dpc. The macula sacculi and the cochlea were present at 12 dpc but became distinguishable from each other by 13 dpc. Based on the gene expression patterns, the anterior and lateral cristae may share a common origin. Similarly, three sensory organs, the macula utriculi, macula sacculi, and cochlea, seem to arise from a single region of the otocyst.