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Updated: Aug 26, 2026
Functional Evaluation of Olfactory Pathways in Living Xenopus Tadpoles
Published on: December 11, 2018
Expression of a member of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, TROY, in the developing olfactory system
Tomoko Hisaoka1, Yoshihiro Morikawa, Toshio Kitamura
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera, Wakayama, Japan.
Abstract:
TROY is a recently identified member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. We have previously reported that TROY induces the activation of nuclear factor kappaB via TNF receptor-associated factor 2, 5, and 6, and is strongly expressed in the developing central nervous system, including the olfactory bulb. In this study, we investigated the detailed cellular characterization of TROY-expressing cells in the developing olfactory system of mice using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Both mRNA and protein of TROY were first detected in the olfactory nerve layer (ONL) of the olfactory bulb at embryonic day 13.5. During late embryogenesis, TROY expression was most intense in the inner ONL (ONL-i). In the postnatal olfactory bulb, TROY-expressing cells were also detected in the glomerular layer (GL), in addition to the ONL-i. The double-immunofluorescence method demonstrated that TROY was expressed in olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) of the ONL-i, which were positive for neuropeptide Y (NPY), but neither S-100 nor p75 low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor. Some TROY-expressing cells in the ONL-i were observed with the astrocyte-like phenotype (GFAP+/NPY-). In addition, TROY was also detected in GFAP+ glial cells of the GL. Thus, TROY was expressed in some specific subsets of glial cells in the olfactory bulb, including OECs, suggesting that TROY may play some roles in the developing and adult olfactory system.
Insights
TROY, a TNF receptor superfamily member, is expressed in specific glial cells within the developing mouse olfactory system. This suggests TROY plays a role in the olfactory system
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- TROY is a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily.
- TROY is known to activate nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) signaling.
- TROY shows strong expression in the developing central nervous system, including the olfactory bulb.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detailed cellular characterization of TROY-expressing cells in the developing mouse olfactory system.
- To identify the specific cell types expressing TROY in the olfactory bulb.
- To explore the potential role of TROY in the olfactory system.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to detect TROY mRNA and protein.
- Double-immunofluorescence staining identified co-localization of TROY with specific cell markers.
- Analysis was performed on olfactory bulbs from embryonic day 13.5 to postnatal stages.
Main Results:
- TROY mRNA and protein were first detected in the olfactory nerve layer (ONL) of the olfactory bulb at embryonic day 13.5.
- TROY expression was localized to olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and some astrocyte-like cells in the ONL.
- TROY was also found in glial cells within the glomerular layer (GL) in postnatal olfactory bulbs.
Conclusions:
- TROY is expressed in specific subsets of glial cells, including OECs, within the developing and adult olfactory bulb.
- These findings suggest TROY may have functional roles in the olfactory system.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise functions of TROY in olfactory development and maintenance.
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