Mice Deficient for the Type II Transmembrane Serine Protease, TMPRSS1/hepsin, Exhibit Profound Hearing Loss (original) (raw)

Defective proteolysis has been linked to hearing loss, particularly through mutations in the TMPRSS3 gene that cause autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness. This study investigates the physiological role of TMPRSS1, also known as hepsin, in auditory function by analyzing the hearing status of mice deficient in this protease. Findings indicate that Tmprss1-null mice exhibit profound hearing loss characterized by elevated thresholds, abnormal cochlear structures, and reduced expression of critical proteins involved in auditory function. Additionally, these mice show decreased levels of thyroid hormones, suggesting a multifaceted role of TMPRSS1 in cochlear physiology.