Receptor diversity and spatial patterning in the mammalian olfactory system.

摘要: In order to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying olfactory perception in mammals, we have performed experiments identify and characterize basic receptive elements of system, odorant receptors. We identified a novel multigene family that encodes receptors on sensory neurons nasal cavity. The tremendous size diversity this indicate perceptual acuity system relies heavily differential binding properties hundreds different receptor types. determine how information supplied by such large collection diverse might be organized, examined patterns expression genes epithelium. observed distinct topographical RNAs epithelium is divided series zones. These zones are likely provide for broad organization cavity which maintained axonal projection bulb.