Does olfactory bulb neurogenesis depend on the continuous turnover of sensory neurons

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The mammalian olfactory system has a remarkable capability to recognize and discriminate a wide range of odor molecules. This not only provides essential information for animal survival but has also profound effects on their behavior. Odor information from the environment influences complex behavioral functions such as food localization, reproductive and maternal functions, recognition of cospecies, emotional states and social status. Odorous signals are detected by olfactory sensory neurons embedded in the olfactory epithelium which lines the posterior part of the nasal cavity, hence directly exposed to the environment. As a consequence of their relatively unprotected position, these neurons can be easily damaged by exposure to toxins, infectious agents or trauma. In fact, this is probably in response to these hazardous agents from the external milieu that the olfactory epithelium has developed that extraordinary regenerative capability of renewing its entire neuronal population within a restricted amount of time. However, this continuous neuronal turnover imposes to the olfactory system an ever-lasting dilemma of preserving normal olfactory information processing despite persistent changes in the cellular composition of its sensory epithelium. How are the olfactory system fundamental capabilities to perceive, recognize and discriminate odors preserved under constantly renewed conditions? This research proposal aims at understanding these basic mechanisms under different experimental conditions.