Regeneration and rewiring of rodent olfactory sensory neurons.
The olfactory sensory neurons are the only neurons in the mammalian nervous system that not only regenerate naturally and in response to injury, but also project to specific targets in the brain. The stem cells in the olfactory epithelium commit to both neuronal and non-neuronal lineages depending on the environmental conditions. They provide a continuous supply of new neurons. A newly generated neuron must express a specific odorant receptor gene and project to a central target consist of axons expressing the same receptor type. Recent studies have provided insights into this highly regulated, complex process. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine the regenerative capacity of stem cells, and the ability of newly generated neurons in directing their axons toward specific targets, remain elusive. Here we review progresses and controversies in the field and offer testable models.
Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States. Electronic address: cry@stowers.org.
C Ron
CR
Yu
Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States.
Yunming
Y
Wu
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009831:Olfactory Mucosa / Q000166:cytology; D061219:Olfactory Nerve Injuries / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009833:Olfactory Pathways / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D018034:Olfactory Receptor Neurons / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012377:Rodentia; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology