ATP8B1 is essential for maintaining normal hearing

Janneke M. Stapelbroek, Theo A. Peters, Denis H. A. van Beurden, Jo H. A. J. Curfs, Anneke Joosten, Andy J. Beynon, Bibian M. van Leeuwen, Lieke M. van der Velden, Laura Bull, Ronald P. Oude Elferink, Bert A. van Zanten, Leo W. J. Klomp, Roderick H. J. Houwen

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102 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

ATP8B1 deficiency is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in ATP8B1, which encodes the putative phospatidylserine flippase ATP8B1 (formerly called FIC1). ATP8B1 deficiency is primarily characterized by cholestasis, but extrahepatic symptoms are also found. Because patients sometimes report reduced hearing capability, we investigated the role of ATP8B1 in auditory function. Here we show that ATP8B1/Atp8b1 deficiency, both in patients and in Atp8b1(G308V/G308V) mutant mice, causes hearing loss, associated with progressive degeneration of cochlear hair cells. Atp8b1 is specifically localized in the stereocilia of these hair cells. This indicates that the mechanosensory function and integrity of the cochlear hair cells is critically dependent on ATP8B1 activity, possibly through maintaining lipid asymmetry in the cellular membranes of stereocilia
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9709-9714
JournalPROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Volume106
Issue number24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

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