# EpCAM regulates hair cell development and regeneration in the zebrafish lateral line

## TL;DR

This study shows that EpCAM is essential for the development and regeneration of hair cells in the zebrafish lateral line system.

## Contribution

The study identifies a novel role for EpCAM in regulating hair cell development and regeneration in zebrafish.

## Key findings

- EpCAM is required for proper development of posterior lateral line hair cells in zebrafish.
- Loss of EpCAM impairs hair cell regeneration in the lateral line system.
- The epam jh79 mutant line demonstrates the functional importance of EpCAM in hair cell biology.

## Abstract

The zebrafish lateral line mechanosensory system shares considerable morphological and molecular similarities with the inner ear. In particular, mechanosensory hair cells are responsible for transducing sensory stimuli in both structures. The epithelia cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is expressed in the cells of the inner ear of mammals and in the lateral lines system of fish. EpCAM regulates the many cellular functions including adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, we use the

epcam
jh79

mutant zebrafish line to determine that EpCAM function is required for proper development and regeneration of posterior lateral line hair cells.