Mutations in the SOX10 gene, encoding a cell-lineage specific transcription
factor, are associated with congenital deafness. We analyzed the expressio
n of Sox10 mRNA in developing mouse inner ear by in situ hybridization. Sox
10 mRNA is expressed in the entire epithelia of the otic vesicle at embryon
ic day 11.5 (E11.5) and in the developing cochlea and vestibule at E13.5. I
n postnatal day 8 and adult cochleas, Sox10 expression is restricted to the
supporting cells of the organ of Corti. These expression profiles suggest
that Sox10 is important for development of the cochlea. (C) 2000 Elsevier S
cience B.V. All rights reserved.