Patterning of the mammalian cochlea

The mammalian cochlea is sophisticated in its function and highly organized in its structure. Although the anatomy of this sense organ has been well d ocumented, the molecular mechanisms underlying its development have remaine d elusive. Information generated from mutant and knockout mice in recent ye ars has increased our understanding of cochlear development and physiology. This article discusses factors important for the development of the inner ear and summarizes cochlear phenotypes of mutant and knockout mice, particu larly Otx and Otx2. We also present data on gross development of the mouse cochlea.