Functional Interaction Between Drosophila Olfactory Sensory Neurons and Their Support Cells.

ABSTRACT: Insects detect volatile chemicals using antennae, which house a vast variety of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that innervate hair-like structures called sensilla where odor detection takes place. In addition to OSNs, the antenna also hosts various support cell types. These include the triad of trichogen, tormogen, and thecogen support cells that lie adjacent to their respective OSNs. The arrangement of OSN supporting cells occurs stereotypically for all sensilla and is widely conserved in evolution. While insect chemosensory neurons have received considerable attention, little is known about the functional significance of the cells that support them. For instance, it remains unknown whether support cells play an active role in odor detection, or only passively contribute to homeostasis,

SUBMITTER: Prelic S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8777253 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature