In this report, the authors sought to determine whether expression of cadherin 11 in mesenchymal cells plays a critical role in ear morphogenesis. Cadherin 11 knockout mice show moderate hearing loss. The air-filled area of auditory bulla is reduced and residual mesenchymal cells are observed in the middle ear. This mutant mouse may be a promising animal model for elucidating the causes of conductive hearing loss.
- Yuji Kiyama
- Yayoi S. Kikkawa
- Toshiya Manabe
