Otogelin (OTOG)

Otogelin is an N-glycosylated protein that is present in the acellular membranes covering the 6 sensory epithelial patches of the inner ear: in the cochlea (the auditory sensory organ), the tectorial membrane (TM) over the organ of Corti; and in the vestibule (the balance sensory organ), the otoconial membranes over the utricular and saccular maculae, as well as the cupulae over the cristae ampullares of the 3 semicircular canals.

These membranes are involved in the mechanotransduction process. Their movement, which is induced by sound in the cochlea or acceleration in the vestibule, results in the deflection of the stereocilia bundle at the apex of the sensory hair cells, which in turn opens the mechanotransduction channels located at the tip of the stereocilia.