Role of chemokines in olfactory neurogenesis

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The regeneration of nerve cells happens during the whole life and is adjusted by different influences. Neurogenesis in the central nervous system is increased in particular by injuries, e. g. as a result of a stroke. Nevertheless, the regeneration is usually insufficient what entails in many cases to long-term interferences. A better understanding of the underlying physiological processes is indispensable for the specific improvement of the treatment. In the brain of an adult mammal neurogenesis takes place only in low extent, the olfactory epithelium distinguishes itself by a high regeneration ability which is preserved the whole life through. The physiological reason for the unusual regeneration ability of the olfactory neurons is the vulnerabiliy of the system which is continuously exposed to substances in the breath air. This high capacity for regeneration, together with the clear localization and morphology of the different involved cells allows for relatively easy characterization of regeneration processes. A signal system which plays an important role for the regeneration after injuries in the central nervous system are chemokines and chemokine receptors. The chemokine CXC ligand 12 (CXCL12 or SDF-1) and his receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 play important roles for the regeneration of the injured central nervous system. By specific combination of genetic, pharmacological, anatomical and physiological approaches we would like to systematically examine the role of CXCL12 and its receptors in sensory neurons of the olfactory epithelium of the mouse. This project should compile new information about the function of the chemokine signaling system consisting of CXCL12 and the G-protein coupled receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 for neurogenesis in the adult organism, and help to understand the differences in plasticity of the olfactory system compared to other neurogenic regions of the central nervous system.