In teleosts, proper balance and hearing depend on mechanical sensors in the inner ear. These sensors include actin-based microvilli and microtubule-based cilia that extend from the surface of sensory hair cells and attach to biomineralized 'ear stones', orotoliths. This paper show that in zebra fish, fluid flow generated by cilia influences the number, growth and localization of otoliths, as well as their mineralization during development.
- Jessica R. Colantonio
- Julien Vermot
- Kent L. Hill