Hair cells detect sound, head position or water movements when their mechanosensory hair bundle is deflected. Each hair bundle has an asymmetric architecture that restricts stimulus detection to a single axis. Coordinated hair cell orientations within sensory epithelia further tune stimulus detection at the organ level. Here, we identify GPR156, an orphan GPCR of unknown function, as a critical regulator of hair cell orientation. We demonstrate that the transcription factor EMX2 polarizes GPR156 distribution, enabling it to signal through Gαi and trigger a 180° reversal in hair cell orientation. GPR156-Gαi mediated reversal is essential to establish hair cells with mirror-image orientations in mouse otolith organs in the vestibular system and in zebrafish lateral line. Remarkably, GPR156-Gαi also instructs hair cell reversal in the auditory epithelium, despite a lack of mirror-image organization. Overall, our work demonstrates that conserved GPR156-Gαi signaling is integral to the framework that builds directional responses into mechanosensory epithelia.

In the Tulsa area, the Cupressaceae is largely represented by eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana L.). The encroachment of this species into the grasslands of Oklahoma has been well documented, and it is believed this trend will continue. The pollen is known to be allergenic and is a major component of the Tulsa atmosphere in February and March. This study examined airborne Cupressaceae pollen data from 1987 to 2016 to determine long-term trends, pollen seasonal variability, and influence of meteorological variables on airborne pollen concentrations. Pollen was collected through means of a Burkard sampler and analyzed with microscopy. Daily pollen concentrations and yearly pollen metrics showed a high degree of variability. In addition, there were significant increases over time in the seasonal pollen index and in peak concentrations. These increases parallel the increasing population of J. virginiana in the region. Pollen data were split into pre- and post-peak categories for statistical analyses, which revealed significant differences in correlations of the two datasets when analyzed with meteorological conditions. While temperature and dew point, among others were significant in both datasets, other factors, like relative humidity, were significant only in one dataset. Analyses using wind direction showed that southerly and southwestern winds contributed to increased pollen concentrations. This study confirms that J. virginiana pollen has become an increasing risk for individuals sensitive to this pollen and emphasizes the need for long-term aerobiological monitoring in other areas.

RATIONALE: There is a high prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in Puerto Rico, data about the most common allergen sensitivities is limited. There is no information available about the allergic components of physicians in training. The aim of this study was to determine the most common inhalant allergen sensitivities within a sample of Puerto Rican Pediatric Residents, and Pediatricians, to establish a relationship to a preexisting asthma or allergy diagnosis. METHODS: Subjects filled a questionnaire about asthma and allergies including family history, specific triggers, previous allergy testing. Skin pinprick test with allergens to mold, dust mite, grass pollen, cat, roach, ant, housefly, and mango tree pollen was done. Allergen response was measured and compared to positive and negative controls, results were processed by statistical analysis software. RESULTS: 23 subjects enrolled, 78% females, 21 were pediatric residents and 2 attending. 53% were in 20-29 years age group. 60% has history of allergies, 50% with family history of allergies; only 3% were asthmatic. The most prevalent allergens were dust mite (70%), roach (43%), mango tree pollen (43%), and housefly (39%). A strong association was found between a positive allergies testing to cat allergen with a pre-existing allergy diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The allergic component of physicians in training is no different from the general population, although it was a small sample. It was a surprise for us the high prevalence of mango tree pollen in our population, that deserve a thorough analysis. We will continue the evaluation of other physicians in training in our institution. .