Unveiling the Hidden Heroes of Smell Regeneration: A 3D Model Uncovers the Mystery
Potential Significance of Dormant Stem Cells in Rejuvenating Olfactory Ability
In a groundbreaking study, scientists from Tufts University have developed a 3D model of the olfactory organ to better understand how nerve tissue in the nose regenerates. This innovative research, published in Cell Reports Methods, sheds light on a type of stem cell previously thought to be dormant that plays a pivotal role in repairing and preserving the sense of smell.
Sensory neurons in the nasal cavity have the remarkable ability to regenerate despite constant exposure to the outside environment. However, factors such as viral infections, aging, or exposure to toxins can reduce their function or replication capacity, leading to a diminished or complete loss of smell.
Two Key Players in the Regenerative Process
The new model allowed the researchers to observe the communication between two types of stem cells in the nose, called horizontal basal cells (HBCs) and globose basal cells (GBCs). The findings suggest that these two stem cells may be mutually dependent, with HBCs, once thought to be inactive, emerging as crucial players in supporting the development of new olfactory neurons.
The study identified a specific subpopulation of HBCs, marked by their production of the protein KRT5, that actively support the generation of new smell-sensing neurons. When these cells were depleted from the organoid cultures, the generation of new neurons was significantly impaired, highlighting their importance in the regenerative process.
The Role of HBCs in Declining Abilities
The research team also looked at cells from mice of different ages and found a decline in the ability of older mice cells to generate new neurons. Preliminary evidence suggests that this may be due to a decrease in the GBC population as we age, but further investigation is needed to confirm this hypothesis and develop ways to potentially rejuvenate them.
A Practical, Accessible Solution for Wide Research Use
Lead author Juliana Gutschow Gameiro, a former Ph.D. student visiting Tufts from the State University of Londrina, Parana, in Brazil, developed the model with the aim of creating an easily reproducible, low-cost solution for labs with limited resources. With the increasing interest in olfactory epithelial cells due to the effects of viral infections like COVID-19 and conditions such as Parkinson's disease, this accessible model will undoubtedly benefit researchers in various fields looking to understand better how olfactory neurons regenerate and what factors may cause this process to diminish or fail completely.
On the Horizon: Human Organoids for Therapy Testing
The ultimate goal is to use this mouse-tissue model of olfactory sensory neurons as a stepping stone towards developing a human organoid that can be used to screen potential therapies for people with significantly diminished or lost senses of smell. Organoids offer a faster, more cost-effective, and potentially more effective alternative to using whole animals or existing human cell cultures for pre-clinical trial research. While developing human olfactory tissue organoids presents challenges, the research team is actively working on finding a simple, inexpensive technique for separating and growing human olfactory stem cells in the lab.
References:
- Lin, B., Gutschow Gameiro, J., De Negri, M., Wong, A., Choi, J. H., Lyle, M. C., & Lin, K. W. (2022). Quiescent horizontal basal stem cells act as a niche for olfactory neurogenesis in a mouse 3D organoid model. Cell Reports Methods.
- Tufts University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tufts.edu/
### A Closer Look at HBCs and Their Impact on Olfactory Regeneration
Traditionally, HBCs were thought to be dormant and of less importance compared to their counterparts, GBCs. However, this new research reveals that HBCs actively contribute to the process of olfactory neurogenesis alongside GBCs. They are essential for the production of new sensory neurons and maintaining the sense of smell.
In viral infections like COVID-19, which target the olfactory system and can cause temporary or permanent loss of smell, understanding the role of HBCs is crucial. If HBCs fail to perform their role effectively, it could led to a worsening of symptoms or less responsive treatment. The new 3D model allows scientists to explore the interplay between HBCs and GBCs, providing invaluable insights into the mechanisms behind olfactory regeneration and potential treatments for viral-induced smell loss.
Further research into the interactions between these two types of stem cells could offer new avenues for developing therapies to preserve or restore the sense of smell in those affected by viral infections or aging.
- The groundbreaking study in neuroscience news, published in Cell Reports Methods, delves into the role of genetics in the aging process, particularly focusing on the regeneration of nerve tissue in the nose.
- The study also highlights the significance of motivation in the field of science, as researchers strive to find solutions for medical-conditions such as viral infections and other health-and-wellness issues that affect the sense of smell.
- The new 3D model, developed by scientists from Tufts University, provides a breakthrough in neuroscience, unveiling the intricate mechanism of olfactory regeneration in the face of fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and data-and-cloud-computing challenges.
- Technology plays a crucial role in this research, as the 3D model allows for the observation of the communication between different types of stem cells, offering a practical, accessible solution for wide research use.
- This research holds potential implications for cancer treatment, as understanding the role of HBCs in olfactory regeneration could lead to breakthroughs in therapy testing for people with significantly diminished or lost senses of smell.
- Furthermore, the study sheds light on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise in the preservation of the sense of smell, as factors such as aging, toxins, and viral infections can reduce the function or replication capacity of sensory neurons, leading to a diminished or complete loss of smell.
