Activating transcription factor 5 is required for mouse olfactory bulb development via interneuron.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is a stress-responsive transcription factor.
• ATF5 expression increases under stress conditions like amino acid limitation.
• The precise function of ATF5 in the brain, particularly the olfactory system, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) in the development of the mouse olfactory bulb (OB).
• To elucidate the impact of ATF5 deficiency on OB structure, cellular composition, and olfactory-related behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Comparative histological and cell proliferation analyses of olfactory bulbs from ATF5-deficient and wild-type mice.
• Assessment of bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells in the subventricular zone.
• Evaluation of olfaction-related aggressive behaviors in mice.

Main Results:

• ATF5-deficient mice exhibited smaller olfactory bulbs compared to wild-type controls.
• Histological examination revealed a disturbed laminar structure in the OB, including a thinner olfactory nerve layer and fewer interneurons.
• A reduced number of proliferating progenitor cells was observed in the subventricular zone of ATF5-deficient mice.
• Olfaction-related aggressive behaviors were diminished in ATF5-deficient mice.

Conclusions:

• Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) plays a critical role in the proper development of the mouse olfactory bulb.
• ATF5 influences OB development primarily through its regulation of interneuron progenitor proliferation and migration.
• These findings highlight ATF5 as a key factor in olfactory system development and function.