Olfactory epithelia differentially express neuronal markers

All three olfactory epithelia, the olfactory epithelium proper (OE), the septal organ of Masera (SO), and the vomeronasal organ of Jacobson (VNO) originate from the olfactory placode. Here, their diverse neurochemical phenotypes were analyzed using the immunohistochemical expression pattern of different neuronal markers. The olfactory bulb (OB) served as neuronal control. Neuronal Nuclei Marker (NeuN) is neither expressed in sensory neurons in any of the three olfactory epithelia, nor in relay neurons (mitral/tufted cells) of the OB. However, OB interneurons (periglomerular/granule cells) labeled, as did supranuclear structures of VNO supporting cells and VNO glands. Protein Gene Product 9.5 (PGP9.5 = C-terminal ubiquitin hydrolase L1 = UCHL1) expression is exactly the opposite: all olfactory sensory neurons express PGP9.5 as do OB mitral/tufted cells but not interneurons. Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) expression is highest in the most apically located OE and SO sensory neurons and patchy in VNO. In contrast, the cytoplasm of the most basally located neurons of OE and SO immunoreacted for Growth Associated Protein 43 (GAP-43/B50). In VNO neurons GAP-43 labeling is also nuclear. In the cytoplasm, Olfactory Marker Protein (OMP) is most intensely expressed in SO, followed by OE and least in VNO neurons; further, OMP is also expressed in the nucleus of basally located VNO neurons. OB mitral/tufted cells express OMP at low levels. Neurons closer to respiratory epithelium often expressed a higher level of neuronal markers, suggesting a role of those markers for neuronal protection against take-over. Within the VNO the neurons show clear apical–basal expression diversity, as they do for factors of the signal transduction cascade. Overall, expression patterns of the investigated neuronal markers suggest that OE and SO are more similar to each other than to VNO.     

A novel population of neuronal cells expressing the olfactory marker protein (OMP) in the anterior/dorsal region of the nasal cavity

The olfactory marker protein (OMP) is expressed in mature chemosensory neurons in the nasal neuroepithelium. Here, we report the identification of a novel population of OMP-expressing neurons located bilaterally in the anterior/dorsal region of each nasal cavity at the septum. These cells are clearly separated from the regio olfactoria, harboring the olfactory sensory neurons. During mouse development, the arrangement of the anterior OMP-cells undergoes considerable change. They appear at about stage E13 and are localized in the nasal epithelium during early stages; by epithelial budding, ganglion-shaped clusters are formed in the mesenchyme during the perinatal phase, and a filiform layer directly underneath the nasal epithelium is established in adults. The anterior OMP-cells extend long axonal processes which form bundles and project towards the brain. The data suggest that the newly discovered group of OMP-cells in the anterior region of the nasal cavity may serve a distinct sensory function.     

Six1 is indispensable for production of functional progenitor cells during olfactory epithelial development

The rodent olfactory epithelium (OE) is a good model system for studying the principles of stem and progenitor cell biology, because of its capacity for continuous neurogenesis throughout life and relatively well-characterized neuronal lineage. The development of mouse OE is divided into two stages, early and established neurogenesis. In established neurogenesis, which starts at embryonic day (E) 12.5, sustentacular cells and olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) are produced from apical and basal progenitors, respectively. We previously reported that Six1(-/-) shows a lack of mature ORNs throughout development and disorganization of OE after E12.5. However, the molecular bases for these defects have not been addressed. Here, we show that Six1 is expressed in both apical and basal progenitors. In Six1(-/-) mice, apical proliferating cells were absent and no morphologically identifiable sustentacular cells were observed. Consistently, the expression of Notch2 and Jagged1 in the apical layer was absent in Six1(-/-) mice. On the other hand, basal proliferating cells were observed in Six1(-/-) animals, but the expression of Ngn1, NeuroD, Notch1, and Jagged2 in the basal layer was absent. The expression of Mash1, the determination gene for ORNs, and Hes genes was enhanced in Six1(-/-) mice. The present findings suggest that Six1 regulates production of functional apical and basal progenitors during OE development, through the regulation of various genes, such as neuronal basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), neuronal repressor bHLH, and genes involved in the Notch signaling pathway.     

Presence of novel N-CAM glycoforms in the rat olfactory system

The functional activity of the neural cell adhesion molecule N-CAM can be modulated by posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation. For instance, the long polysialic acid side chains of N-CAM alter the adhesion properties of the protein backbone. In the present study, we identified two novel carbohydrates present on N-CAM, NOC-3 and NOC-4. Both carbohydrates were detected on N-CAM glycoforms expressed by subpopulations of primary sensory olfactory neurons in the rat olfactory system. Based on the expression of NOC-3 and NOC-4 and the olfactory marker protein (OMP), four independent subpopulations of primary sensory olfactory neurons were characterized. These neurons expressed: both NOC-3 and NOC-4 but not OMP; both NOC-4 and OMP but not NOC-3; NOC-3, NOC-4, and OMP together; and OMP alone. The NOC-3- and NOC-4-expressing neurons were widely dispersed in the olfactory neuroepithelium lining the nasal cavity. The axons of NOC-4 expressing neurons innervated all glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, whereas the NOC-3 expressing axons terminated in a discrete subset of glomeruli scattered throughout the whole olfactory bulb. We propose that both NOC-3 and NOC-4 are part of a chemical code of olfactory neurons which is used in establishing the topography of connections between the olfactory neuroepithelium and the olfactory bulb. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 32 : 659–670, 1997     

In Utero and Lactational Lanthanum Exposure Induces Olfactory Dysfunction Associated with Downregulation of βIII-tubulin and Olfactory Marker Protein in Young Rats

We evaluated the role of βIII-tubulin in the morphology of olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) and olfactory dysfunction in offspring caused by prenatal and postnatal lanthanum exposure. Pregnant rats were exposed to 0.25% lanthanum chloride in drinking water from gestational day (GD) 7 until postnatal day 21. From postnatal day 23 until postnatal day 28, pups were examined with buried food pellet and olfactory maze test. The ultrastructural features of ORNs in the olfactory epithelium (OE) were observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression of βIII-tubulin and olfactory marker protein (OMP) in the tissue sections and homogenates of OE were, respectively, measured by immunodetection and western blot. Behavioral analysis of olfaction showed that lanthanum chloride exposure induced olfactory dysfunction. Offsprings exposed to lanthanum chloride showed enlarged ORN knobs and a decreased number of cilia. In addition, the levels of OMP and βIII-tubulin expression in lanthanum chloride exposure offsprings significantly decreased. Developmental lanthanum exposure could impair olfaction, and this deficit may be attributed to the downregulation of βIII-tubulin and OMP in the OE.     

Immunohistochemical distribution of galectin-1, galectin-3, and olfactory marker protein in human olfactory epithelium

The expression pattern of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in the human olfactory epithelium was investigated in relation to olfactory marker protein (OMP) using confocal laser immunofluorescence in human specimens and postmortem biopsies. OMP expression was found in olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the olfactory mucosa and in fibers of the olfactory nerve crossing the submucous connective tissue. Galectin-1 was expressed in both the connective tissue of the nasal cavity and in the basal layer of the olfactory epithelium. In contrast, galectin-3 expression was limited to cells of the upper one-third of the olfactory epithelium. Expression of galectin-3 occurred in a subset of OMP-positive cells. However, between areas of galectin-1 and galectin-3 expression in the lower and upper portion of the epithelium, OMP-positive ORNs did not stain for both galectins. Considering the potential role of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in cell differentiation and maturation, the differential localization of galectins in the olfactory epithelium appears to be consistent with a significant role of these molecules in the physiological turnover of ORNs. Accepted: 20 December 1999     

Glycoconjugates are stage- and position-specific cell surface molecules in the developing olfactory system, 2: Unique carbohydrate antigens are topographic markers for selective projection patterns of olfactory axons.

Three monoclonal antibodies specific for different carbohydrate antigens were used to analyze the development of the olfactory system in rats. CC2 antibodies react with a subset of main olfactory neurons, their axons, and terminals in the olfactory bulb. CC2 antigens are expressed on dorsomedial neurons in the olfactory epithelium (OE) from embryonic (E) day 15 to adults. In the olfactory bulb (OB), only dorsomedially located glomeruli express CC2 glycoconjugates from postnatal day (P) 2 to adults. Thus CC2 defines a dorsomedially organized projection that is established early in embryonic development and continues in adults. P-Path antibodies react with antigens that are expressed on the olfactory nerve in embryos, and are also detected on cell bodies in the neuroepithelium and in glomeruli of the OB at P2. At P14, P-Path staining is weaker, but remains present on many cells in the epithelium and in many glomeruli in the bulb. Postnatally, P-Path immunostaining continues to decrease in most regions of the OE and OB. At P35 and afterwards, only a few P-Path-positive neuronal cells can be detected in the OE. Furthermore, after P35 only two groups of glomeruli in the OB are P-Path immunoreactive. One is situated adjacent to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) at the dorsocaudal surface of the OB. The other is adjacent to the AOB at the ventrocaudal surface of the OB. Thus, in adults, P-Path glycoconjugates are expressed in neurons and axons that project only to a specific subset of caudal glomeruli of the OB. Monoclonal antibody 1B2, reacts with beta-galactose-terminating glycolipids and glycoproteins. At P2, 1B2 immunoreactivity is seen on a subset of cell bodies that are distributed throughout the OE and is expressed in most glomeruli in the OB at this age. By P35 and in adults, 1B2 continues to be expressed on a subset of neurons in the OE that project to only a small subset of glomeruli in the OB. Unlike CC2 and P-Path antigens that define specific groups of glomeruli, 1B2-immunoreactive glomeruli do not have a detectable spatial pattern. It is more likely that 1B2 antigens define a specific stage in the maturation of connections between the OE and OB.     

Extraepithelial cells expressing distinct olfactory receptors are associated with axons of sensory cells with the same receptor type

During critical phases of mouse development, axons from olfactory sensory neurons grow out of the nasal neuroepithelium and navigate through the connective mesenchyme tissue towards their targets in the developing telencephalic vesicle. Between embryonic days E11 and E16, populations of cells are located in the mesenchyme which express distinct olfactory receptor genes along with the olfactory marker protein (OMP); thus they express markers characteristic for mature olfactory sensory neurons. These extraepithelial cells are positioned along the axon tracts, and each population expressing a given receptor gene is specifically associated with the axons of those olfactory sensory neurons with the same receptor type. The data suggest that they either might be guide posts for the outgrowing axons or migrate along the axons into the brain.     

Six1 is essential for early neurogenesis in the development of olfactory epithelium

The olfactory epithelium (OE) is derived from the olfactory placode (OP) during mouse development. At embryonic day (E) 10.0-E10.5, “early neurogenesis” occurs in the OE, which includes production of pioneer neurons that emigrate out of the OE and other early-differentiated neurons. Around E12.5, the OE becomes organized into mature pseudostratified epithelium and shows “established neurogenesis,” in which olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) are differentiated from basal progenitors. Little is known about the molecular pathway of early neurogenesis. The homeodomain protein Six1 is expressed in all OP cells and neurogenic precursors in the OE. Here we show that early neurogenesis is severely disturbed despite the unaltered expression of Mash1 at E10.5 in the Six1-deficient mice (Six1^−/−). Expression levels of neurogenin1 (Ngn1) and NeuroD are reduced and those of Hes1 and Hes5 are augmented in the OE of Six1^−/− at E10.5. Pioneer neurons and cellular aggregates, which are derived from the OP/OE and situated in the mesenchyme between the OE and forebrain, are completely absent in Six1^−/−. Moreover, ORN axons and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-positive neurons fail to extend and migrate to the forebrain, respectively. Our study indicates that Six1 plays critical roles in early neurogenesis by regulating Ngn1, NeuroD, Hes1, and Hes5.     

V-ATPase expression in the mouse olfactory epithelium

The vacuolar proton-pumping ATPase (V-ATPase) is responsible for the acidification of intracellular organelles and for the pH regulation of extracellular compartments. Because of the potential role of the latter process in olfaction, we examined the expression of V-ATPase in mouse olfactory epithelial (OE) cells. We report that V-ATPase is present in this epithelium, where we detected subunits ATP6V1A (the 70-kDa "A" subunit) and ATP6V1E1 (the ubiquitous 31-kDa "E" subunit isoform) in epithelial cells, nerve fiber cells, and Bowman's glands by immunocytochemistry. We also located both isoforms of the 56-kDa B subunit, ATP6V1B1 ("B1," typically expressed in epithelia specialized in regulated transepithelial proton transport) and ATP6V1B2 ("B2") in the OE. B1 localizes to the microvilli of the apical plasma membrane of sustentacular cells and to the lateral membrane in a subset of olfactory sensory cells, which also express carbonic anhydrase type IV, whereas B2 expression is stronger in the subapical domain of sustentacular cells. V-ATPase expression in mouse OE was further confirmed by immunoblotting. These findings suggest that V-ATPase may be involved in proton secretion in the OE and, as such, may be important for the pH homeostasis of the neuroepithelial mucous layer and/or for signal transduction in CO₂ detection. proton secretion; vacuolar H⁺-ATPase; immunofluorescence; pH homeostasis; olfaction     

Glycoconjugates are stage- and position-specific cell surface molecules in the developing olfactory system, 2: Unique carbohydrate antigens are topographic markers for selective projection patterns of olfactory axons

Three monoclonal antibodies specific for different carbohydrate antigens were used to analyze the development of the olfactory system in rats. CC2 antibodies react with a subset of main olfactory neurons, their axons, and terminals in the olfactory bulb. CC2 antigens are expressed on dorsomedial neurons in the olfactory epithelium (OE) from embryonic (E) day 15 to adults. In the olfactory bulb (OB), only dorsomedially located glomeruli express CC2 glycoconjugates from postnatal day (P) 2 to adults. Thus CC2 defines a dorsomedially organized projection that is established early in embryonic development and continues in adults. P-Path antibodies react with antigens that are expressed on the olfactory nerve in embryos, and are also detected on cell bodies in the neuroepithelium and in glomeruli of the OB at P2. At P14, P-Path staining is weaker, but remains present on many cells in the epithelium and in many glomeruli in the bulb. Postnatally, P-Path immunostaining continues to decrease in most regions of the OE and OB. At P35 and afterwards, only a few P-Path-positive neuronal cells can be detected in the OE. Furthermore, after P35 only two groups of glomeruli in the OB are P-Path immunoreactive. One is situated adjacent to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) at the dorsocaudal surface of the OB. The other is adjacent to the AOB at the ventrocaudal surface of the OB. Thus, in adults, P-Path glycoconjugates are expressed in neurons and axons that project only to a specific subset of caudal glomeruli of the OB. Monoclonal antibody 1B2, reacts with β-galactose-terminating glycolipids and glycoproteins. At P2, 1B2 immunoreactivity is seen on a subset of cell bodies that are distributed throughout the OE and is expressed in most glomeruli in the OB at this age. By P35 and in adults, 1B2 continues to be expressed on a subset of neurons in the OE that project to only a small subset of glomeruli in the OB. Unlike CC2 and P-Path antigens that define specific groups of glomeruli, 1B2-immunoreactive glomeruli do not have a detectable spatial pattern. It is more likely that 1B2 antigens define a specific stage in the maturation of connections between the OE and OB.     

Developmental expression of a novel Kexin family protease, PACE4E, in the rat olfactory system

 PACE4 is a mammalian Kexin family protease that is involved in the maturation of precursor proteins. Four PACE4 isoforms have been identified. We identified a novel PACE4 isoform, PACE4E, from a human cerebellum cDNA library, which possesses a hydrophobic cluster in its C-terminus participating in membrane association. The size of PACE4E mRNA from adult rat brain was estimated by Northern blotting to be 4.4 kb. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that the highest level of PACE4E mRNA was expressed in the mitral cells of the adult rat olfactory bulb (OB). The OB is a unique sensory organ in that it has a lifelong regenerating capacity and it affects brain development. We further analyzed the expression of PACE4E mRNA in the developing olfactory system. On day 13.5 of gestation, PACE4E mRNA was expressed at high levels in the neuroepithelium of the forebrain vesicle (FV), olfactory epithelium, and cells in the fiber bundles projecting to the FV. As development proceeded, PACE4E mRNA was expressed in developing mitral cells but decreased in the olfactory epithelium. In the newborn, its expression was confined to the mitral cells in both the main and accessory OB and in some periglomerular cells, as shown in adult rats. The spatio-temporal expression of PACE4E suggests that it plays a role in the establishment and maintenance of the olfactory receptor system. Accepted: 15 April 1997     

Expression of olfactory receptors in the cribriform mesenchyme during prenatal development

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are expressed in sensory neurons of the nasal epithelium, where they are supposed to be involved in the recognition of suitable odorous compounds and in the guidance of outgrowing axons towards the appropriate glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. During development, some olfactory receptor subtypes have also been found in non-sensory tissues, including the cribriform mesenchyme between the prospective olfactory epithelium and the developing telencephalon, but it is elusive if this is a typical phenomenon for ORs. Monitoring the onset and time course of expression for several receptor subtypes revealed that 'extraepithelial' expression of ORs occurs very early and transiently, in particular between embryonic stages E10.25 and E14.0. In later stages, a progressive loss of receptor expressing cells was observed. Molecular phenotyping demonstrated that the receptor expressing cells in the cribriform mesenchyme co-express key elements, including Galpha(olf), ACIII and OMP, characteristic for olfactory neurons in the nasal epithelium. Studies on transgenic OMP/GFP-mice showed that 'extraepithelial' OMP/GFP-positive cells are located in close vicinity to axon bundles projecting from the nasal epithelium to the presumptive olfactory bulb. Moreover, these cells are primarily located where axons fasciculate and change direction towards the anterior part of the forebrain.