摘要：SummarySense of motion, spatial orientation, and balance in vertebrates relies on sensory hair cells in the inner ear vestibular system. Vestibular supporting cells can regenerate hair cells that are lost from aging, ototoxicity, and trauma, although not all factors or specific cell types are known. Here we report a population of GAD2-positive cells in the mouse crista ampullaris and trace GAD2 progenitor-like cells that express pluripotent transcription factors SOX2, PROX1, and CTBP2. GAD2 progenitor-like cells organize into rosettes around a central branched structure in theeminentia cruciatum (EC)herein named theECplexus. GCaMP5G calcium indicator shows spontaneous and acetylcholine-evoked whole-cell calcium waves in neonatal and adult mice. We present a hypothetical model that outlines the lineage and potential regenerative capacity of GAD2 cells in the mammalian vestibular neuroepithelium.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•ACh and muscarine evoke Ca2+transients in GAD2 progenitor-like cells in mice•GAD2 progenitor-like cells form rosettes in neonates that are maintained in adults•Eminentia cruciata (EC)GAD2 cells express transcriptional factors SOX2, PROX1, CTBP2•A centralECstructure, theECplexus, branches out toward GAD2 progenitor-like cellsAudiology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Neuroscience, Stem Cells Research.
