INNER EAR
NEUROBIOLOGY
The long-term goal of the research in our laboratory is to define signaling mechanisms underlying neural circuitry formation within sensory systems and how those connections can be maintained or reestablished in cases of damage. The inner ear provides an excellent model for discovering how neural connections form within a complex organ system. The mammalian inner ear is composed of a beautiful and fascinating set of sensory structures including hair cells (HCs), spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons (SGNs and VGNs) and efferent fibers.
In our laboratory, we address the auditory and vestibular system using techniques ranging from in vitro and genetic model systems, to transcriptome analyses of different cell populations. We also use advanced imaging techniques to try and achieve an unprecedented view of how specific molecular factors control key aspects of inner ear neuron guidance, activity, and synaptogenesis.
The Coate lab is a welcome and safe environment for all.
Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages
Our step-by-step protocol for dissecting, cryosectioning, and immunostaining mouse inner ear tissue across developmental stages was recently published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE). The method is optimized to preserve the structural integrity of delicate cochlear and vestibular tissues, enabling high-resolution imaging and analysis of protein expression. Dissection and tissue preparation were performed by PhD student Mehmet Alp Demirhan.
https://app.jove.com/t/67647/cryosectioning-immunostaining-mouse-inner-ear-tissue-from-embryonic
Funding
The Coate lab is supported by The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and Georgetown University. We were previously supported by the Mathers Foundation.