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Local permutations in the glomerular array of the mouse olfactory bulb.
J Strotmann1, S Conzelmann, A Beck
1The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Summary
The precise locations of olfactory glomeruli, which receive signals from specific odorant receptors, are not fixed. Mouse olfactory bulb analysis reveals local permutations in glomerular arrangement, suggesting developmental flexibility in odor map construction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory System Research
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Olfactory sensory neurons precisely target specific glomeruli in the olfactory bulb.
- The stability and variability of glomerular positions are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the constancy of the glomerular array in the mouse olfactory bulb.
- To determine the relative positions of glomeruli for specific odorant receptors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a genetic strategy with gene targeting in mice to visualize neuronal populations expressing mOR37 subfamily genes.
- Linked mOR37 gene expression to axonal markers (taulacZ or tauGFP) for single-axon resolution.
- Analyzed serial sections of 214 mouse olfactory bulbs.
Main Results:
- Axons expressing a given mOR37 gene converged onto one or two glomeruli per bulb, grouped within a restricted domain.
- The relative positions of these mOR37 glomeruli were not fixed, exhibiting local permutations.
- Variability in glomerular positions was observed within individuals, ruling out genetic manipulation or experience as sole causes.
Conclusions:
- The glomerular array in the mouse olfactory bulb displays local permutations, indicating developmental plasticity.
- These findings suggest that the precise spatial arrangement of glomeruli may be flexible.
- Such variability is relevant for understanding the developmental history and construction of spatial odor maps.