Molecular insights into inhibitory synapses: Immunohistological and transcriptomic analysis in the auditory brainstem of miR-183/96 double knockout mice

In the central auditory system, miR-183 cluster plays crucial roles in auditory brainstem structure development and excitatory synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held. To probe inhibitory synaptic neurotransmission, a miR-183/96 double knockout mouse model was analyzed. Immunohistochemistry revealed significant alterations in Gphn and Gabra1 expression, key regulators of inhibitory neurotransmission. However, expression of other proteins like Kcc2, Hapln4, and Gad2/65 remained unaltered. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis unveiled 34 and 116 differentially expressed genes in LSO and MNTB, respectively. Some of of these genes play vital roles in synaptic transmission and are implicated in hearing loss.These findings underscore the intricate regulatory roles of miRNAs in auditory system development and function and offer insights into potential targets for hearing-related disorders.