Activity-dependent genes in mouse olfactory sensory neurons.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Sensory Biology

Background:

• Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) survival is activity-dependent, allowing adaptation to the odor environment.
• Identifying activity-dependent genes is crucial for understanding OSN regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify genes involved in activity-dependent OSN survival.
• To investigate the time course and mechanism of gene expression changes in OSNs.

Main Methods:

• Unilateral naris occlusion in mice for 6 days.
• Genetic silencing of OSNs.
• Quantitative analysis of mRNA expression changes.

Main Results:

• Naris occlusion and OSN silencing decreased S100A5, Lrrc3b, Kirrel2, Slc17a6, Rasgrp4, Pcp4l1, Plcxd3, and Kcnn2, while increasing Kirrel3.
• Short-term odor stimulation (30-40 min) only affected S100A5, Lrrc3b, and Kirrel2.
• One olfactory receptor (OR) mRNA, Olfr855, was consistently decreased.

Conclusions:

• Gene expression changes in OSNs due to activity deprivation suggest a slow or indirect response mechanism.
• The latency from odor stimulation cessation to effects on OSN survival is likely a week or more in juvenile mice.