Sensory cell proliferation within the olfactory epithelium of developing adult Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Insects detect a multitude of odors using a broad array of phenotypically distinct olfactory organs referred to as olfactory sensilla. Each sensillum contains one to several sensory neurons and at least three support cells; these cells arise from mitotic activities from one or a small group of defined precursor cells. Sensilla phenotypes are defined by distinct morphologies, and specificities to specific odors; these are the consequence of developmental programs expressed by associated neurons and support cells, and by selection and expression of subpopulations of olfactory genes encoding such proteins as odor receptors, odorant binding proteins, and odor degrading enzymes.

Methodology/principal findings

We are investigating development of the olfactory epithelium

SUBMITTER: Franco MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1789077 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature