Novel gene expressed in nasal region influences outgrowth of olfactory axons and migration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons.

ABSTRACT: Although a variety of cues have been implicated in axonal targeting during embryogenesis and regeneration, the precise mechanisms guiding olfactory axons remain unclear. Appropriate olfactory axon pathfinding is essential for functional chemoreceptive and pheromone receptive systems. Olfactory axon pathfinding is also necessary for establishment of the neuroendocrine LHRH system, cells critical for reproductive function. LHRH cells exhibit neurophilic migration moving from the nasal region along olfactory axons into the brain. Factors involved in the migration of these neuroendocrine cells are as yet unresolved. We report identification of a novel factor termed nasal embryonic LHRH factor (NELF) that was discovered in a differential screen of migrating versus nonmigrating primary LHRH neur

SUBMITTER: Kramer PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC316793 | biostudies-literature | 2000 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature