A nonneural miRNA cluster mediates hearing via repression of two neural targets

Abstract

We show here thatmir-279/996are absolutely essential for development and function of Johnston's organ (JO), the primary proprioceptive and auditory organ inDrosophila. Their deletion results in highly aberrant cell fate determination, including loss of scolopale cells and ectopic neurons, and mutants are electrophysiologically deaf. In vivo activity sensors and mosaic analyses indicate that these seed-related miRNAs function autonomously to suppress neural fate in nonneuronal cells. Finally, genetic interactions pinpoint two neural targets (elavandinsensible) that underlie miRNA mutant JO phenotypes. This work uncovers how critical post-transcriptional regulation of specific miRNA targets governs cell specification and function of the auditory system.