Otoancorin (OTOA)

Otoancorin is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein encoded by the OTOA gene, specifically expressed in the inner ear[1][2][3][4][5]. It is found at the interface between the apical surface of sensory epithelia and the overlying acellular gels in both the cochlea and vestibular organs[1][2][3]. Otoancorin is essential for attachment of the tectorial membrane to the inner hair cells in the cochlea, which is critical for auditory transduction. Mutations in the OTOA gene cause nonsyndromic recessive deafness (DFNB22), establishing the protein’s essential role in normal hearing[1][2][3][4][5]. Otoancorin shares weak sequence homology with the megakaryocyte potentiating factor/mesothelin precursor but is functionally unique to the inner ear. It does not match classifications such as receptor, ion channel, enzyme, or transporter; it functions as a structural membrane protein that mediates cell–matrix adhesion within the inner ear[1][2][3][4][5]. No drugs or specific therapeutic agents targeting otoancorin are reported, and there are no documented biomarker applications or notable safety concerns in therapeutic contexts.

Other names

OTOADFNB22CT108otoancorin