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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
09:11
Live-cell Measurement of Odorant Receptor Activation Using a Real-time cAMP Assay
Published on: October 2, 2017
Odorant receptor-mediated signaling in the mouse
1Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan. takeshi.imai@gmail.com
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Odorant receptors (ORs) in mice regulate gene choice and guide neuron wiring. They control intracellular signals like cyclic AMP (cAMP) for diverse functions in the olfactory system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The mouse olfactory system utilizes ~1000 odorant receptors (ORs) within olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs).
- Functional OR proteins are crucial for olfactory sensory neuron development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of ORs in the mouse olfactory system.
- To discuss how ORs regulate intracellular signals for distinct neuronal functions.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing research on OR function.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying OR-mediated gene choice and axonal guidance.
Main Results:
- ORs ensure singular odorant receptor gene expression via negative feedback.
- ORs modulate gene expression of axon guidance and sorting molecules.
- The second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) plays differential roles in axonal fasciculation and targeting.
Conclusions:
- ORs are key regulators of olfactory sensory neuron function, encompassing odor detection, gene choice, and precise axonal wiring.
- Differential regulation of intracellular signals by ORs underlies their diverse roles in the olfactory system.
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