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The human olfactory cleft mucus proteome and its age-related changes
Keiichi Yoshikawa1, Hong Wang2, Cristina Jaen2
1Kao Corporation, Haga-Gun, Tochigi, 321-3497, Japan. yoshikawa.keiichi@kao.com.
Scientific Reports
|November 23, 2018
Summary
This study details the first comprehensive catalog of human nasal mucus proteins, revealing age-related changes and identifying potential biomarkers for olfactory decline and neurodegenerative disorders.
Area of Science:
- Olfactory Neuroscience
- Proteomics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Age-related olfactory decline impacts quality of life, but underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
- Olfactory mucus is crucial for odorant detection and tissue protection, yet its proteome and age-related changes are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a comprehensive proteomic catalog of human nasal mucus.
- To investigate positional and age-related differences in mucus protein composition.
- To identify candidate proteins correlated with olfactory sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Human nasal mucus samples collected from various nasal locations in young and elderly subjects.
- Extensive proteomic analysis using shotgun proteomics to identify proteins.
- Correlation analysis between protein levels and olfactory sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The most extensive catalog of nasal mucus proteins to date was generated.
- Significant positional and age-related differences in mucus protein composition were identified.
- Previously unrecognized proteins with potential roles in olfaction were discovered.
Conclusions:
- This proteomic catalog provides fundamental insights into nasal mucus composition and its age-related changes.
- Identified proteins may serve as biomarkers for olfactory dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases.
- The findings pave the way for future research into olfactory auxiliary proteins and the causes of age-related olfactory decline.
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