Olfactory neurons: different types and their functions

• Grant number: 25/03657-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Bettina Malnic
• Grantee: Caio Martins de Castro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12481-2 - Molecular basis of neuronal diversity in olfaction and its functional implications, AP.TEM

Abstract

Each tissue in a given organism is made up of different cell types, which have different functions and are present in specific quantities. Homeostasis mechanisms that allow the relative abundance of the different cell types to be maintained in a balanced manner must therefore exist. However, the abundance of each cell type within a tissue can vary depending on a number of factors, such as environmental factors, stage of development, or caused by disease. We will analyze how the deletion of Ric-8B, and consequent reduction in the number of canonical olfactory neurons, leads to changes in the abundance of other neuronal types in the olfactory epithelium.