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Cryo-electron tomography of the mechanoelectrical transduction complex


EMSL Project ID
51222

Abstract

The mammalian ear converts vibrations of the air into electrical signals with astonishing accuracy. Underlying this feat is a complex molecular machinery, called the mechanoelectrical transduction complex. Genetic or acquired defects in this complex can lead to hearing disorders and in the most extreme cases deafness. Furthermore, the same machinery is involved in the sensing of balance. Treatment hearing and balance disorders is hindered by a lack of understanding of the assembly of the mechanoelectrical transduction complex. Genetic and functional experiments have identified a set of proteins that are likely part of the mechanotransduction complex. However, classic structural approaches have only revealed information about a small subset of these proteins. We propose to use cryo-electron tomography to study this complex in the native tissue. These studies will reveal the organization of the proteins involved in mechanotransduction. This information will be critical to understand the molecular mechanism of mechanotransduction in hearing and balance and will in turn inform the development of new therapies for hearing and balance disorders.

Project Details

Start Date
2019-12-20
End Date
2021-03-17
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Eric Gouaux
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Team Members

Aya Matsui
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Emily Sales
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Johannes Elferich
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Heidi Owen
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University