Coagulation Factor C Homolog, Cochlin (Limulus Polyphemus) (COCH) Antibody – Polyclonal

The protein encoded by this gene is highly conserved in human, mouse, and chicken, showing 94% and 79% amino acid identity of human to mouse and chicken sequences, respectively. Hybridization to this gene was detected in spindle-shaped cells located along nerve fibers between the auditory ganglion and sensory epithelium. These cells accompany neurites at the habenula perforata, the opening through which neurites extend to innervate hair cells. This and the pattern of expression of this gene in chicken inner ear paralleled the histologic findings of acidophilic deposits, consistent with mucopolysaccharide ground substance, in temporal bones from DFNA9 (autosomal dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness 9) patients. Mutations that cause DFNA9 have been reported in this gene. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding the same protein. Additional splice variants encoding distinct isoforms have been described but their biological validities have not been demonstrated. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2008]

COCH: Plays a role in the control of cell shape and motility in the trabecular meshwork. Defects in COCH are the cause of deafness autosomal dominant type 9 (DFNA9). DFNA9 is a form of sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural deafness results from damage to the neural receptors of the inner ear, the nerve pathways to the brain, or the area of the brain that receives sound information. DFNA9 is characterized by onset in the fourth or fifth decade of life and initially involves the high frequencies. Deafness is progressive and usually complete by the sixth decade. In addition to cochlear involvement, DFNA9 patients also exhibit a spectrum of vestibular dysfunctions. Penetrance of the vestibular symptoms is often incomplete, and some patients are minimally affected, whereas others suffer from severe balance disturbances and episodes of vertigo. Affected individuals have mucopolysaccharide depositions in the channels of the cochlear and vestibular nerves. These depositions apparently cause strangulation and degeneration of dendritic fibers.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Extracellular matrix; Secreted

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 14q11.2-q13

Cellular Component: extracellular matrix; proteinaceous extracellular matrix

Molecular Function: collagen binding; protein binding

Biological Process: regulation of cell shape; sensory perception of sound; positive regulation of innate immune response; defense response to bacterium

Disease: Deafness, Autosomal Dominant 9