An Update on Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor Transcripts in Rodent Olfactory Mucosa
J T Toebbe1, Mary Beth Genter1
1Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 23, 2022
Summary
Researchers investigated sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors in rodent olfactory mucosa. Findings reveal these receptors may be key targets for blocking SARS-CoV-2 entry into the brain via the nasal cavity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Olfactory neurons link the nasal cavity to the brain, facilitating material transport.
- The olfactory system is implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infections, with smell loss being a common symptom.
- SARS-CoV-2 utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on olfactory epithelium cells for entry, potentially enabling brain access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor expression in rodent olfactory mucosa.
- To assess the expression of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors, related sphingolipids, in the olfactory system.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for blocking viral entry into the brain via the olfactory pathway.
Main Methods:
- Investigated S1P and LPA receptor expression in mouse and rat olfactory mucosa.
- Utilized transcript analysis to identify receptor presence.
- Examined receptor expression in cultured olfactory neurons.
Main Results:
- Confirmed expression of S1P1, S1P3, and LPA receptor 1 in mouse olfactory mucosa.
- Identified additional S1P and LPA receptor transcripts in both mouse and rat olfactory mucosa.
- Detected S1P and LPA receptor transcripts in cultured olfactory neurons.
Conclusions:
- Findings confirm and extend knowledge of S1P and LPA receptor distribution in the olfactory system.
- These receptors are potential targets for therapeutic interventions against viral entry into the brain.
- Rodent models expressing these receptors can aid in developing agonists/antagonists to block viral transmission.
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