Alpha-tectorin (TECTA)

Alpha-tectorin is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein encoded by the TECTA gene, predominantly found in the tectorial membrane of the cochlea in the inner ear[3][5]. It is critical for normal hearing by contributing to the mechanical properties of the tectorial membrane, enabling the proper transmission of sound-induced vibrations to sensory hair cells, which is essential for auditory signal transduction[1][3][4][5]. Alpha-tectorin is a GPI-anchored protein with multiple protein–protein interaction domains that organize the structure and assembly of the tectorial membrane[1]. Mutations in the TECTA gene cause both autosomal dominant (DFNA8/12) and autosomal recessive (DFNB21) forms of nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss, due to defective structure or loss of function of the tectorial membrane[2][3][4]. It is not currently considered a conventional therapeutic target (e.g. receptor or enzyme), and there are no known drugs that directly interact with alpha-tectorin[2][3][5]. However, TECTA gene testing can serve as a biomarker to diagnose genetic forms of hearing loss and guide family counseling for hereditary deafness[2][3].

Other names

DFNA12DFNA8DFNB21TECTA_HUMANtectorin alpha