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Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Glial Influence in Experience-Dependent Synaptic Pruning During Critical Periods
Published on: March 1, 2024
Rapid and continuous activity-dependent plasticity of olfactory sensory input
Claire E J Cheetham1, Una Park1, Leonardo Belluscio1
1Developmental Neural Plasticity Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
New olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in adult mice rapidly form synapses and remodel existing ones. This continuous synaptogenesis drives olfactory bulb plasticity and repair throughout life.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory System Biology
Background:
- Adult neurogenesis is crucial for brain plasticity and repair.
- The mammalian olfactory system exhibits continuous adult neurogenesis, with new olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) integrating into the olfactory bulb (OB) throughout life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine when new OSNs form synapses.
- To investigate if mature OSNs retain synaptogenesis capacity.
- To understand how adult-born OSNs contribute to OB plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy
- Optogenetic activation
- In vivo time-lapse imaging
Main Results:
- Newly generated OSNs form dynamic synapses and evoke stimulus-locked firing in the mouse OB.
- Mature OSN axons exhibit continuous, activity-dependent synaptic remodeling in adulthood.
- OSN synaptogenesis supports OB plasticity and repair faster than neuron replacement alone.
Conclusions:
- Adult OSN synaptogenesis is a dynamic process crucial for lifelong olfactory bulb plasticity.
- Continuous synaptic remodeling in OSNs offers a rapid mechanism for brain repair.
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