Mechanosensitivity of the Cochlea

Abstract

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, widely expressed in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells, are activated by mechanical stimuli as well as by chemical and physical stimuli. The sense of hearing depends on the cochlea. Transduction channels at the tips of stereocilia of cochlear hair cells are the channels that convert mechanical sound stimuli to electrical action potential of the auditory nerve. Several types of TRP channels are expressed in the cochlea, which seem to be essential for maintaining the normal hearing. Despite extensive researches on the transduction channels, molecular identification of the mammalian transduction channel has not been achieved. In this review, we summarize the possible involvement of TRP channels in auditory