Figure 2.

Expression of LIM-HDs in E16.5 vestibular system (A-H) and cochlea (I-P). A: ISL1 expression was mainly in utricular supporting cells. B: ISL2 expression was similar to E14.5, slightly stronger in hair cells than in supporting cells or stroma. C: LHX3 expression was upregulated in hair cells. D: In utricle, Lhx5 expression was in two regions associated with hair cells (brackets near the lumen), which was separated by a region with supporting cell expression (bracket close to the basal lamina). E, F and H: Lhx6, 9 and Lmx1b showed expression primarily in hair cell region. G: Lmx1a expression was greatly reduced and restricted to the transitional epithelium and dark cells of utricle and crista (brackets). I: ISL1 was expressed in all cochlear epithelial cells including hair cells and spiral ganglions (SG). J: ISL2 was widely expressed in the cochlea, with the labeling more prominent in hair cells. K: LHX3 was specifically expressed in hair cells. L,M,N,P: Lhx5, 6, 9 and Lmx1b were weakly expressed in cochlear hair cells, GER and SG. O: Lmx1a was expressed in the non-sensory epithelia (NSE), including primordial spiral prominence, stria vascularis and Reissner's membrane, as demarcated by the bracket. Scale bar=20μm.