Files
Abstract
Actin crosslinkers help shape the structure and mechanics of hair cell stereocilia. We identified several abundant crosslinkers and examined the developmentally regulated expression of fascin‑2 in chicken basilar papilla. Fascin‑2 mRNA and protein levels increased throughout development, especially during stereocilia elongation, and localized to distal stereocilia regions as bundles matured. Other fascin and plastin genes showed varied expression patterns. These results suggest that different crosslinkers support distinct stages of stereocilia growth and contribute to long‑term bundle stability.