Title
Patterning the developing and regenerating olfactory system
UMMS Affiliation
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center; Department of Cell Biology
Date
2-18-2007
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Animals; Cell Differentiation; Growth Cones; Humans; Nerve Growth Factors; Nerve Regeneration; Neuroglia; Olfactory Pathways; Olfactory Receptor Neurons
Disciplines
Cell Biology
Abstract
The olfactory system is a remarkable model for investigating the factors that influence the guidance of sensory axon populations to specific targets in the CNS. Since the initial discovery of the vast odorant receptor (ORs) gene family in rodents and the subsequent finding that these molecules directly influence targeting, several additional olfactory axon guidance cues have been identified. Two of these, ephrins and semaphorins, have well-established functions in patterning axon connections in other systems. In addition, lactosamine-containing glycans are also required for proper targeting and maintenance of olfactory axons, and may also function in other sensory regions. It is now apparent that these and likely other additional molecules are required along with ORs to orchestrate the complex pattern of convergence and divergence that is unique to the olfactory system.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: J Cell Physiol. 2007 Feb;210(2):290-7. Link to article on publisher's site