Deletion of Clusterin Protects Cochlear Hair Cells against Hair Cell Aging and Ototoxicity

Figure 2

Clu expression in the organ of Corti of the cochlea. (a) RNA-seq in the adult CBA/J mouse cochlea showed Clu expression in OHCs, IHCs, pillar cells, Deiters’ cells, and melanocytes, with strong expression in OHCs. (b) RNA-Seq examining gene expression during mouse inner ear development showed Clu expression in hair cells (GFP⁺) and supporting cells (GFP⁻) in the mouse cochlea, from E16 to P7. (c) Temporal expression patterns of Clu mRNA in the mouse inner ear. Clu mRNA transcripts were strongly expressed at P12, with slight but significantly decreased expression with aging. . (d) In situ hybridization performed in the WT cochlea at P21 showed Clu expression in OHCs and stronger expression in the pillar and Deiters’ cells.

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