Figure 5. Functional network analysis related to P3 up-regulated genes.

The most significant network assembled by selected P3 up-regulated genes includes 15 genes related to inner ear development most of them are components of the Notch pathway (i.e., Hey1, Hes5, Jag1). Hmga2, a newly identified stem cell gene in the P3 CSE appears also among the interacting genes within the network. Solid lines between nodes indicate direct molecular interaction between connected genes whereas dotted lines indicate an indirect functional interaction. Genes included in the P3 signature are in pink and those not found in the signature are in white.