Prestin and the cochlear amplifier

Abstract
In non‐mammalian, hair cell‐bearing sense organs amplification is associated with mechano‐electric transducer channels in the stereovilli (commonly called stereocilia). Because mammals possess differentiated outer hair cells (OHC), they also benefit from a novel electromotile process, powered by the motor protein, prestin. Here we consider new work pertaining to this protein and its potential role as the mammalian cochlear amplifier.