Stefan Heller

Rethinking how hearing happens.
Xu Z, Ricci AJ, Heller S. Neuron. 2009; 62 (3): 305-7
Inner ear hair cells convert hair bundle deflection into mechanical force sensed by ion channels via extracellular tip links between adjacent stereocilia. In this Neuron issue, Grillet and colleagues show the protein harmonin mechanically reinforces tip link upper insertion sites. Harmonin loss at this site reduces mechanotransduction kinetics and sensitivity.

PubMedID: 19447085