DANIEL EBERL

..Based on evidence gathered from these studies, we propose a speculative model for how the chordotonal organ might function...

..Identification of these elusive molecules will settle this issue...

..Finally, we discuss further research directions that would probe remaining questions in understanding Johnston's organ development, function and evolution...

..This sequence of expression changes was accompanied by modification of the E-box binding sites of these genes to regulate different downstream genes and to form inhibitory loops among each other, thus fine-tuning expression transitions...

..The identification and analysis of mutations that affect auditory function are summarized here, and prospects for the role of the Drosophila auditory system in understanding both insect and vertebrate hearing are discussed...

..The ultrastructure of JO fibers and synapses may indicate an ability to process temporally discretized acoustic information...

..Our identification and initial characterization of the rdo locus will contribute to the understanding of neurogenesis and neural development in the simple photoreceptors of the Drosophila visual system...

..ck/MyoVIIA mutations result in apical detachment of auditory transduction units (scolopidia) from the cuticle that transmits antennal vibrations as mechanical stimuli to JO...

..The results also distinguish between different mechanosensory modalities and set the stage for understanding how TRP channels contribute to mechanosensation...

..Thus, cho sensilla are major proprioceptive components that underlie touch sensitivity, locomotion, and peristaltic contraction by providing sensory feedback to the locomotor CPG circuit in larvae...

..Further elucidation of tilB functional mechanisms will provide greater understanding of cilia function and will facilitate understanding ciliary diseases...

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..A knockout mouse model for MTAP deficiency was also created and no significant hearing loss was detected in heterozygotes for Mtap. Homozygous Mtap-deficient mice were embryonic lethal...

..We propose that N-cadherin mediates a homophilic, attractive interaction between photoreceptor growth cones and their targets that precedes synaptic partner choice...

..Kinesin associated protein (KAP) is identified as the non-motor accessory subunit of Kinesin II, but its role in the corresponding motor function is not understood...

..Electrophysiological analyses confirm that spalt/spalt-related mutant flies are deaf. These commonalities suggest that there is functional conservation for spalt genes between vertebrates and insects...

..Overall, these studies will inform future research on the developmental and functional biology of the mammalian inner ear, and accelerate our understanding of human auditory disorders. ..

..Identifying auditory genes by any of these approaches and elucidating the molecular roles of their products will provide very important insight into the fundamental but poorly understood process of mechanosensation. ..

..Overall, these studies will inform future research on the developmental and functional biology of the mammalian inner ear, and accelerate our understanding of human auditory disorders. ..