Ectopic expression of Atoh1 in non-sensory supporting cells (SCs) in mouse cochleae induces their conversion to hair cells (HCs) in vivo. cHCs in multiple intermediate states of the conversion process that most closely resembled neonatal differentiating HCs, but differed from the progenitors. We further identified 52 transcription factors that are differentially expressed in cHCs, SCs, and mature HCs and confirmed that Isl1 synergistically enhanced the efficiency of Atoh1-mediated HC conversion in cochlear explants. Our results demonstrate that direct HC conversion from SCs in vivo follows a different path from normal development and requires multiple factors for maximum efficiency and completion. SOURCE: David Finkelstein (david.finkelstein@stjude.org) -  St Jude Children's Research Hospital

Pluto Bioinformatics

GSE85983: Identification of intermediate transcriptome states and synergistic effects of Isl1 in Atoh1-mediated cochlear hair cell conversion