A Counter Gradient of Activin A and Follistatin Instructs the Timing of Hair Cell Differentiation in the Murine Cochlea

    May 2019
    Meenakshi Prajapati-DiNubila, Ana Benito-Gonzalez, Erin Golden, Shuran Zhang, Angelika Doetzlhofer
    Image of study
    TLDR Activin A and follistatin control when ear hair cells form in mice.
    In 2019, researchers investigated the role of Activin A and its antagonist, follistatin (FST), in hair cell differentiation in the murine cochlea. They discovered that Activin A and follistatin are key regulators of this process. Activin A was found to promote hair cell differentiation, with its signaling within the auditory sensory epithelium timing the longitudinal gradient of hair cell differentiation. Follistatin, on the other hand, maintained pro-sensory cells in a proliferative and undifferentiated state, and its overexpression delayed hair cell differentiation. However, this delay was almost completely abolished when combined with Activin A treatment. The study also revealed a novel mechanism where Activin-type signaling regulates a radial gradient of terminal mitosis within the auditory sensory epithelium, limiting the number of inner hair cells produced. The researchers concluded that a counter gradient of Activin A and follistatin instructs the timing of hair cell differentiation in the cochlea.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    2 / 2 results

      community Regenera Activia stem cells vs Exosomes (Cellgenic)?

      in Treatments  32 upvotes 9 hours ago
      The conversation discusses the effectiveness of Regenera Activia stem cells versus Cellgenic exosomes for hair loss treatment. The user has been using topical minoxidil 5% and 0.001% estradiol for a year without results.

      community How do people afford finasteride/dutasteride?

      in Treatment  27 upvotes 1 year ago
      People discuss the high cost of brand name finasteride and dutasteride, suggesting generics as cheaper alternatives. They share prices from various regions, highlighting significant cost differences.

    Similar Research

    5 / 515 results