Molecular Analysis of Olfactory Neural Circuits
Abstract
The olfactory system detects odorants that elicit diverse odor perceptions as well as pheromones that stimulate instinctive behaviors. We previously identified a large family of odorant receptors and determined how signals derived from those receptors are organized in the nose and then the olfactory bulb and cortex. To explore neural circuits in higher brain areas that control olfactory perception and behavior, new technologies are needed. We took the first steps in this direction in this project. First, we showed that a fusion protein containing Cre recombinase, the transfer domain of Diphtheria toxin, and barley lectin (BL), a transneuronal tracer, has Cre recombinase activity, setting the stage for its potential use as a regenerative transneuronal tracer for the visualization of complex neural circuits. Second, we prepared a series of inducer' and reporter' transgenic mouse lines that, when crossed, may allow the expression of a standard, or regenerative, transneuronal tracer in specific neurons to be controlled by an antibiotic or hormone analog. Third, we showed Cre-dependent, conditional expression of a transneuronal tracer in one of the reporter mouse lines. By crossing this line with mice expressing Cre in neurons with known functions (e.g. appetite), it will now be possible to elucidate neural circuits and genes that control specific functions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA437074
Entities
People
- Linda Buck