CIB2 and CIB3 are auxiliary subunits of the mechanotransduction channel of hair cells

Xiaoping Liang, Xufeng Qiu, Gilman Dionne, Christopher L. Cunningham, Michele L. Pucak, Guihong Peng, Ye Hyun Kim, Amanda Lauer, Lawrence Shapiro, Ulrich Müller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

CIB2 is a Ca2+- and Mg2+-binding protein essential for mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) by cochlear hair cells, but not by vestibular hair cells that co-express CIB2 and CIB3. Here, we show that in cochlear hair cells, CIB3 can functionally substitute for CIB2. Using X-ray crystallography, we demonstrate that CIB2 and CIB3 are structurally similar to KChIP proteins, auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated Kv4 channels. CIB2 and CIB3 bind to TMC1/2 through a domain in TMC1/2 flanked by transmembrane domains 2 and 3. The co-crystal structure of the CIB-binding domain in TMC1 with CIB3 reveals that interactions are mediated through a conserved CIB hydrophobic groove, similar to KChIP1 binding of Kv4. Functional studies in mice show that CIB2 regulates TMC1/2 localization and function in hair cells, processes that are affected by deafness-causing CIB2 mutations. We conclude that CIB2 and CIB3 are MET channel auxiliary subunits with striking similarity to Kv4 channel auxiliary subunits.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2131-2149.e15
JournalNeuron
Volume109
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 7 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'CIB2 and CIB3 are auxiliary subunits of the mechanotransduction channel of hair cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this