Calcium oxalate stone formation in the inner ear as a result of an Slc26a4 mutation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Amiel A. Dror - , Tel Aviv University (Author)
  • Yael Politi - , Weizmann Institute of Science (Author)
  • Hashem Shahin - , Tel Aviv University (Author)
  • Danielle R. Lenz - , Tel Aviv University (Author)
  • Silvia Dossena - , Paracelsus Private Medical University (Author)
  • Charity Nofziger - , Paracelsus Private Medical University (Author)
  • Helmut Fuchs - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Martin Hrabéde De Angelis - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Technical University of Munich (Author)
  • Markus Paulmichl - , Paracelsus Private Medical University (Author)
  • Steve Weiner - , Weizmann Institute of Science (Author)
  • Karen B. Avraham - , Tel Aviv University (Author)

Abstract

Calcium oxalate stone formation occurs under pathological conditions and accounts for more than 80% of all types of kidney stones. In the current study, we show for the first time that calcium oxalate stones are formed in the mouse inner ear of a genetic model for hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction in humans. The vestibular system within the inner ear is dependent on extracellular tiny calcium carbonate minerals for proper function. Thousands of these biominerals, known as otoconia, are associated with the utricle and saccule sensory maculae and are vital for mechanical stimulation of the sensory hair cells.We show that a missense mutation within the Slc26a4 gene abolishes the transport activity of its encoded protein, pendrin. As a consequence, dramatic changes in mineral composition, size, and shape occur within the utricle and saccule in a differential manner. Although abnormal giant carbonate minerals reside in the utricle at all ages, in the saccule, a gradual change in mineral composition leads to a formation of calcium oxalate in adult mice. By combining imaging and spectroscopy tools, we determined the profile of mineral composition and morphology at different time points. We propose a novel mechanism for the accumulation and aggregation of oxalate crystals in the inner ear.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21724-21735
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume285
Issue number28
Publication statusPublished - 9 Jul 2010
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 20442411
ORCID /0000-0002-2872-8277/work/142239171

Keywords

Library keywords