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Bcl-2 expression mediated by Cre/loxP system in olfactory epithelium.
Kiyoshi Doi1, Ken-ichi Nibu, Haruo Okado
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
Neuroscience Letters
|March 1, 2006
Summary
This study used the Cre/loxP system to express Bcl-2 in mouse olfactory epithelium, showing potential for preventing neuron apoptosis and treating olfactory neuron degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Olfactory epithelium is crucial for smell perception.
- Apoptosis contributes to olfactory receptor neuron degeneration.
- Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Bcl-2 expression via Cre/loxP recombination in olfactory epithelium.
- To evaluate the effect of exogenous Bcl-2 on preventing apoptosis in olfactory receptor neurons.
Main Methods:
- Adenoviral vectors carrying Bcl-2 (AxCALNLBcl-2) and Cre recombinase (AxCANCre) were administered intranasally to mice.
- An apoptosis model was induced by bulbectomy to assess neuron survival.
- Bcl-2 expression and apoptosis were analyzed in olfactory epithelium.
Main Results:
- Exogenous Bcl-2 was expressed in olfactory receptor neurons and supporting cells.
- A trend towards reduced apoptotic cells and increased neuron survival was observed in treated mice post-bulbectomy.
- While not statistically significant, results suggest a protective effect of Bcl-2.
Conclusions:
- The Cre/loxP system can mediate Bcl-2 expression in olfactory epithelium.
- This strategy shows promise for delivering Bcl-2 to treat olfactory receptor neuron degeneration.
- Further research is needed for clinical applications in smell disorders.