Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization of the Hair Cell’s Actin-Bundling Proteins

Han, Xu
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1977-1046
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1396010403

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Biology.
Hair cells, the mechanoreceptors of the inner ear, transduce both auditory and vestibular signals allowing us to detect sound and accelerations of the head. As an actin-based protruding structure, a stereocilium requires structural proteins, particularly actin and its-bundling proteins, in order to properly maintain the stereociliary bundle shape for mechanotransduction of sound. Fascin 2b and espin 2b are known actin cross-linkers in stereocilia. Actin-binding and actin-bundling assays were carried out to confirm their actin-binding and -bundling capacity. Negative staining transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the changes in the thicknesses of actin bundles with titrated fascin 2b, espin 2b, or different combinations of the two proteins. Cryo-electron tomography was also carried out to determine the 3-dimensional structures of the actin bundles formed by fascin 2b, espin 2b, or by both. My studies give insight into the actin core of the stereocilium, which is required for hearing in vertebrates.
Brian McDermott, Jr (Advisor)
Vera Moiseenkova-Bell (Committee Member)
Emmitt Jolly (Committee Member)
Roy Ritzmann (Committee Chair)
101 p.
Biochemistry; Biology; Biophysics
Actin; fascin; espin

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Han, X. (2014). Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization of the Hair Cell’s Actin-Bundling Proteins [Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1396010403

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Han, Xu. Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization of the Hair Cell’s Actin-Bundling Proteins. 2014. Case Western Reserve University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1396010403.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Han, Xu. "Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization of the Hair Cell’s Actin-Bundling Proteins." Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1396010403

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1396010403
385
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.