Synaptic coupling of inner ear sensory cells is controlled by brevican-based extracellular matrix baskets resembling perineuronal nets

BACKGROUND: Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialized aggregations of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules surrounding specific neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). PNNs are supposed to control synaptic transmission and are frequently associated with neurons firing at high rates, including principal neurons of auditory brainstem nuclei. The origin of high-frequency activity of auditory brainstem neurons is the indefatigable sound-driven transmitter release of inner hair cells (IHCs) in the cochlea. RESULTS: Here, we show that synaptic poles of IHCs are ensheathed by basket-like ECM complexes formed by the same molecules that constitute PNNs of neurons in the CNS, including brevican, aggreccan, neurocan, hyaluronan, and proteoglycan link proteins 1 and 4 and tenascin-R. Genetic deletion of brevican, one of the main components, resulted in a massive degradation of ECM baskets at IHCs, a significant impairment in spatial coupling of pre- and postsynaptic elements and mild impairment of hearing. CONCLUSIONS: These ECM baskets potentially contribute to control of synaptic transmission at IHCs and might be functionally related to PNNs of neurons in the CNS. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12915-018-0566-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.