The Nanomechanics of Protocadherin 15, A Protein Essential for Human Hearing

Author

Camila M. Villasante

Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

RU Laboratory

Hudspeth Laboratory

Abstract

Mechanical force controls the opening and closing of mechanotransductive ion channels atop the hair bundles in the inner ear.A mechanical element called the gating spring modulates the mechanotransduction channel’s open probability by changing the force transmitted to the channels. The molecular identity of the gating spring is yet unconfirmed,but a leading candidate is the filamentous tip link connecting the mechanotransduction channel to the tallest neighboring stereocilium. The tip link is essential to mechanotransduction: when it is broken, mechanotransduction is abolished, and when it is allowed to regenerate, mechanotransduction returns.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of The Rockefeller University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Recommended Citation

Villasante, Camila M., "The Nanomechanics of Protocadherin 15, A Protein Essential for Human Hearing" (2023). Student Theses and Dissertations. 780.
https://digitalcommons.rockefeller.edu/student_theses_and_dissertations/780