Structure and function of the vomeronasal system: an update

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Olfactory Research
• Sensory Biology

Background:

• The vomeronasal system (VNS) plays a crucial role in detecting chemical cues.
• Previous understanding of VNS receptor populations and central pathways was limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review significant developments in vomeronasal system research over the past 15 years.
• To highlight new findings regarding VNS receptor cell populations, signaling pathways, and central projections.
• To discuss implications for pheromonal communication and potential human VNS function.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent anatomical, physiological, and behavioral studies.
• Analysis of molecular cloning data for vomeronasal receptors.
• Examination of signal transduction pathways in vomeronasal neurons.

Main Results:

• Identification of two distinct G-protein expressing receptor cell populations in mammalian vomeronasal epithelium.
• Discovery of segregated axonal projections to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB).
• Cloning of novel vomeronasal G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) and elucidation of a PLC-dependent signaling cascade.
• Evidence for vertical neuron migration in vomeronasal epithelium replacement.
• Convergence of olfactory and vomeronasal systems in the telencephalon.
• New insights into the Bruce effect and potential presence/functionality of the human vomeronasal organ (VNO).

Conclusions:

• Recent research has significantly advanced the understanding of the vomeronasal system's structure, function, and central pathways.
• The VNS exhibits complex organization with segregated pathways and diverse receptor families.
• The potential functionality of the human VNO remains an area of active investigation and requires further validation.