Abstract
The distalless-related homeogene Dlx5 is expressed in the olfactory placodes and derived tissues and in the anterior-basal forebrain. We investigated the role of Dlx5 in olfactory development. In Dlx5(-/-) mice, the olfactory bulbs (OBs) lack glomeruli, exhibit disorganized cellular layers, and show reduced numbers of TH- and GAD67-positive neurons. The olfactory epithelium in Dlx5(-/-) mice is composed of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) that appear identical to wild-type ORNs, but their axons fail to contact the OBs. We transplanted Dlx5(-/-) OBs into a wild-type newborn mouse; wild-type ORN axons enter the mutant OB and form glomeruli, but cannot rescue the lamination defect or the expression of TH and GAD67. Thus, the absence of Dlx5 in the OB does not per se prevent ORN axon ingrowth. In conclusion, Dlx5 plays major roles in the connectivity of ORN axons and in the differentiation of OB interneurons.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Brain Tissue Transplantation
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Catecholamines / biosynthesis
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Catecholamines / genetics
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Cell Differentiation / genetics
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Fetus
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
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Growth Cones / metabolism*
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
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Interneurons / cytology
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Interneurons / metabolism
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Olfactory Bulb / embryology*
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Olfactory Bulb / growth & development
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Olfactory Bulb / transplantation
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Olfactory Mucosa / embryology*
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Olfactory Mucosa / growth & development
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Olfactory Mucosa / metabolism
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Olfactory Nerve / embryology*
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Olfactory Nerve / growth & development
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Olfactory Nerve / metabolism
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Synapses / genetics
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Synapses / metabolism
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / biosynthesis
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / genetics
Substances
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Catecholamines
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Dlx5 protein, mouse
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Homeodomain Proteins
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid