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Olfactory systems: common design, uncommon origins?

N J Strausfeld1, J G Hildebrand

  • 1Arizona Research Laboratories (ARL) Division of Neurobiology University of Arizona PO Box 210077, Tucson, Arizona, 85721-0077, USA. flybrain@neurobio.arizona.edu

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|October 6, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Olfactory systems in vertebrates and invertebrates show significant differences in receptor proteins and gene organization, suggesting independent evolutionary origins. However, shared neuroanatomical traits hint at potential deeper connections.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Olfactory System Research

Background:

  • Olfactory receptor cells in both vertebrates and invertebrates interact with odorants via an aqueous medium, reflecting a shared marine evolutionary origin.
  • Recent research highlights significant interphyletic divergences in olfactory receptor protein structure and gene organization between vertebrates and invertebrates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary origins of olfactory systems by comparing molecular and neuroanatomical data across diverse animal phyla.
  • To reconcile the observed molecular differences with conserved neuroanatomical and physiological features of olfactory processing.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of olfactory receptor protein structures.
  • Examination of gene organization for olfactory receptor families across different taxa.

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  • Neuroanatomical and physiological characterization of olfactory neuropils.

    • Main Results:

    • Striking interphyletic differences were found in olfactory receptor proteins and their encoding genes between craniates (vertebrates) and protostomes (invertebrates).
    • These molecular disparities support independent evolutionary origins for odor-processing systems in craniates and protostomes, and even within craniate systems (nasal vs. vomeronasal).
    • Despite molecular differences, olfactory neuropils exhibit conserved neuroanatomical and physiological characteristics.

    Conclusions:

    • The data suggest independent evolutionary paths for vertebrate and invertebrate olfactory systems, driven by distinct molecular mechanisms.
    • Homology is plausible within protostome clades (ecdysozoans and lophotrochozoans), but the evolutionary position of craniates remains uncertain.
    • Shared neuroanatomical features indicate potential convergent evolution or deeper, yet unresolved, homologies in olfactory system organization.