Pou4f3 Deficiency Obstructs the Subtype Differentiation of Vestibular Hair Cells.

Vestibular hair cells (HCs) in the inner ear, crucial for balance and spatial orientation, are classified into type I and type II subtypes, but the mechanisms regulating their differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we examined the role of Pou4f3, an important transcription factor, in vestibular HC differentiation using Pou4f3 (deficient) and Pou4f3 (knockout) mouse models. In Pou4f3-deficient mice, the HC number decreased, and immature HCs failed to develop type I characteristics, indicating a developmental arrest.