Affiliations: Washington University School of Medicine, Department
of Otolaryngology, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Note: [] Washington University School of Medicine, Department of
Otolaryngology, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Tel.: +1 314
362 7505; Fax: +1 314 362 7568; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The inner ear, one of the most complex organs, contains within its
bony shell three sensory systems, the evolutionary oldest gravity receptor
system, the three semicircular canals for the detection of angular
acceleration, and the auditory system -- unrivaled in sensitivity and frequency
discrimination. All three systems are susceptible to a host of afflictions
affecting the quality of life for all of us. In the first part of this review we present an introduction to the
milestones of inner ear research to pave the way for understanding the
complexities of a proteomics approach to the ear. Minute sensory structures,
surrounded by large fluid spaces and a hard bony shell, pose extreme challenges
to the ear researcher. In spite of these obstacles, a powerful preparatory
technique was developed, whereby precisely defined microscopic tissue elements
can be isolated and analyzed, while maintaining the biochemical state
representative of the {\it in vivo} conditions. The second part consists of a discussion of proteomics as a tool in
the elucidation of basic and pathologic mechanisms, diagnosis of disease, as
well as treatment. Examples are the organ of Corti proteins OCP1 and OCP2,
oncomodulin, a highly specific calcium-binding protein, and several disease
entities, Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and
perilymphatic fistula.
Keywords: cochlea, organ of Corti, gap junctions, proteomics, oncomodulin, Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, otoconia, perilymphatic fistula
