Differential expression of XXXX integrins in the developing @entity19 inner ear.

@entity1 @entity70676 @entity19 @entity11403 @entity24145 @entity1227 @entity21
The development of the @entity1 inner ear involves a complex series of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. These interactions are likely to be mediated by families of adhesion molecules, including the integrins. We have studied the expression of three integrin subunits known to be expressed on epithelia in a number of tissues (namely, @entity11403 , @entity24145 , and @entity1227 ) during the development of the @entity19 inner ear. At E10.5, both @entity70676 were expressed in the epithelial layers of the otocyst. The expression of @entity24145 was concentrated in an anterioventral region of the epithelium and in a proportion of the cells forming the cochlear-vestibular and @entity21 . By E12.5, @entity24145 showed a more restricted expression, confined mainly to the pro-sensory epithelia and the neural processes from the cochlear-vestibular ganglion. In contrast, @entity11403 was expressed in epithelia adjacent to the pro-sensory areas. This reciprocal expression pattern was maintained until birth. Between birth and P6, a switch in expression occurred such that @entity11403 was upregulated and @entity24145 was downregulated in the sensory epithelia of both the auditory and vestibular systems. At this stage, @entity11403 was expressed in all the epithelia lining the scala media, thus defining the endolymph compartment. The expression of @entity1227 was restricted to epithelial/mesenchymal borders throughout the developmental stages studied, suggesting that @entity24145 expression observed within the epithelium and neuronal tissue was alpha6beta1. The early expression and changing pattern of @entity11403 and @entity24145 integrins during development of the @entity1 inner ear suggests that they may be involved in the molecular processes that define epithelial boundaries and guide sensory innervation.
