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Cristae Align Across Mitochondrial Membranes in Vestibular Hair Cells to Possibly Increase ATP Output

The main objective of this research is to study mitochondria in inner ear hair cells from a functional and structural perspective. Mitochondria are divided into three different sub‐types, according to size: large, medium, and small. Our focus is mitochondria near the cuticular plate (CP) in vestibular Type 1 hair cells. Since these mitochondria are adjacent to the CP, we also see stereociliar rootlets (SRs) in close proximity. In addition, we hypothesized that the side facing the CP has a significantly larger amount of cristae junctions (CJs) compared to the opposite side in order to satisfy energy demand of rapidly regenerating SRs. This suggests a polarization of CJs towards one side, so that they can transport ATP and Ca2+ to points of interest, such as SRs and the CP (Perkins et al. 2010). Using IMOD software created by Univ. of Colorado, we examined and accurately traced individual contours that, when meshed, gave a very detailed structure of the mitochondria. By counting CJs on either side of the mitochondria, we can determine their density relative to the CP. Using the “Get info” feature of IMOD we obtained accurate surface area measurements. Interestingly, lamellar cristae in one mitochondrion were seen to curve in the direction of the stereociliar rootlets and three mitochondria were observed to form a type of “super‐mitochondrion” by alignment of their CJs and tethering of the outer mitochondrial membranes. Stereocilia are known to construct their actin from tip to base using myosin and rate‐regulating proteins (Naoz et al. 2008). We hypothesize that mitochondria provide ATP for reconstitution of actin filaments and for maintaining the structure of the cuticular plate. The alignment of cristae between mitochondria may be able to increase ATP production. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that CJs are asymmetrically distributed in favor of structures of interest that require more ATP.