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Selective Expression Of Beta Tubulin Isotypes In Gerbil Vestibular Sensory Epithelia And Neurons, Brian Perry, Heather Jensen Smith, Richard F. Ludueña, Richard Hallworth

Journal Articles: Eppley Institute

The seven mammalian isotypes of beta tubulin are strikingly similar in amino acid sequence. The differences in isotypic sequence, although small, are nonetheless conserved in evolution, which suggests that they may confer distinct functional roles. If so, such roles should be reflected in the selective expression of isotypes by cell type, or even in the sorting of isotypes to within-cell pools. Hair cells of the vestibular sensory epithelia each possess a kinocilium, a microtubule-based organelle that could represent a distinct microtubule compartment, separate from the extensive microtubule network in the soma. The afferent neurons that innervate the vestibular sensory epithelia …