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The organ of Corti, which consists of sensory hair cells, is the mammalian auditory organ located within the cochlear duct. On the apical surface of the hair cells,
stereocilia position themselves to form V-shape. Interestingly, the vertices of this V-shape are polarized in a specific direction. This polarization of cells within
the plane of epithelium is known as planar cell polarity (PCP).
The establishment of PCP during terminal differentiation is an important biological process in generating and shaping multi-cellular tissues/organs. However,
signals that initiate and propagate planar polarization across the tissue remain elusive. A family of signaling molecules called the Wnts has emerged as
candidates. My study will characterize which member of the Wnts family is expressed via in situ hybridization. In addition, the location and the timing at
which the Wnts are expressed in the cochlea will also be determined. This may implicate their potential role in planar polarization of the organ of Corti.
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