The olfactory system in vitro

The olfactory epithelium has the remarkable ability of regeneration throughout the adult lifespan. Mature olfactory neurons (the cells that are responsible for detecting odorant stimuli) live for a few months. When they die, they are shed, new olfactory neurons divide and differentiate from neuronal precursors, rewire themselves into the brain (olfactory bulb), and replace the shed olfactory neurons.

This ability of the olfactory epithelium to produce new neuronal cells renders the olfactory system ideal for the study of neuronal growth and differentiation. To study olfactory neurogenesis in the human olfactory epithelium, I have been able to establish cultures from acutely isolated tissue from a number of species (human, cat, bird). A sample publication (authored by Stephanie Yazinski, Class of '05) can be found here, and a more recent publication on avian olfactory cultures (authored by Grace O'Neill and Christa Musto, Class of '16) can be found here.

My current research focuses on bird olfactory tissue. Cells are mechanically dissociated and are allowed to grow in culture dishes supplemented with culture medium. The neurons continue to grow and proliferate in culture. These cells are visually distinguished by the presence of long processes that distinguish them as neurons. These cells are odorant-sensitive and express marker molecules that are characteristic of olfactory neurons in vitro.

Current research efforts include characterizing the process of maturation of olfactory neurons using functional (calcium imaging) and immunocytochemical assays.