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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Targeted Labeling of Neurons in a Specific Functional Micro-domain of the Neocortex by Combining Intrinsic Signal and Two-photon Imaging

Targeted Labeling of Neurons in a Specific Functional Micro-domain of the Neocortex by Combining Intrinsic Signal and Two-photon Imaging

Published on: December 12, 2012

A neuronal identity code for the odorant receptor-specific and activity-dependent axon sorting.

Shou Serizawa¹, Kazunari Miyamichi, Haruki Takeuchi

¹Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.

|November 30, 2006

Summary

Researchers identified key genes, Kirrel2/Kirrel3 and ephrin-A5/EphA5, that guide olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axon connections. These molecules are crucial for forming the olfactory map in the olfactory bulb.

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Targeted Labeling of Neurons in a Specific Functional Micro-domain of the Neocortex by Combining Intrinsic Signal and Two-photon Imaging

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Published on: December 12, 2012

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Miniscope Recording Calcium Signals at Hippocampus of Mice Navigating an Odor Plume

Miniscope Recording Calcium Signals at Hippocampus of Mice Navigating an Odor Plume

Published on: September 20, 2024

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) expressing the same odorant receptor (OR) converge axons to specific glomeruli in the olfactory bulb.
Understanding the genetic mechanisms controlling this precise axonal targeting is crucial for deciphering olfactory map formation.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify genes involved in odorant receptor (OR)-instructed axonal fasciculation.
To investigate the role of identified genes in the activity-dependent formation of the olfactory map.

Main Methods:

Utilized transgenic mice with specific OR expression in the majority of OSNs.
Analyzed gene expression profiles correlated with OR expression.
Employed CNGA2 knockout mice to assess activity-dependent gene transcription.
Performed mosaic analysis to study gene function in glomerular development.

Main Results:

Identified homophilic adhesive molecules (Kirrel2/Kirrel3) and repulsive molecules (ephrin-A5/EphA5) correlated with OR expression.
Demonstrated activity-dependent transcription of these genes, with CNGA2 knockout altering their expression levels.
Showed that gain of function in these genes leads to duplicated glomeruli formation.

Conclusions:

A specific set of adhesive and repulsive molecules, regulated by ORs, controls OSN axonal fasciculation.
These molecules are essential for the precise formation of glomerular maps in the olfactory bulb.
Gene expression is modulated by neuronal activity, influencing olfactory map development.