In Vivo Analysis of Lrig Genes Reveals Redundant and Independent Functions in the Inner Ear
Figure 4
Lrig1 and Lrig2-βgeo are co-expressed in the non-sensory region of the cochlea.
Transverse sections through Lrig2+/− tissue at E12.5 (A), E16.5 (B), and P15 (C) were double labeled with antibodies to Lrig1, β-galactosidase, and NF. (A) At E12.5, staining was evident in the non-sensory region of the cochlear epithelium (asterisk) and the mesenchyme surrounding the spiral ganglion. (B) At E16.5, Lrig1 was detected in the medial wall of the cochlea, which will form the inner sulcus and Reissner's membrane (asterisk). (C) At P15, Lrig1 was found in the base of Reissner's membrane (asterisk), with localization to the cell surface (inset). In contrast, at E12.5 and 16.5, Lrig2-βgeo was found broadly in the cochlear epithelium and surrounding mesenchyme (A′–B′). At P15, expression was enriched in spiral ganglion neurons and in the organ of Corti (C′). cd = cochlear duct, m = mesenchyme, oC = organ of Corti, rm = Reissner's membrane, sg = spiral ganglion. Scale bar = 40 µm.