neuronal function control

Few genes control neuronal function

March 15, 2012

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The magenta-colored structures are nerve cells that use odorant receptor 47b, which sense pheromones. Expression of this receptor is controlled by the transcription factor E93. When E93 is removed, the neurons lose their ability to fulfill their task of detecting pheromones, as evidenced by the deactivation of the fluorescent proteins (image to the right). The glowing, green cells, that use olfactory receptor 92a, are not affected because they are controlled by other transcription factors. (Credit: Linköping University)

Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden have taken a step closer to solving the mystery of how 100 billion neurons are created, each with specific duties.

“Knowledge about the mechanisms that diversify neurons and keep them diverse is necessary in order to cultivate and replace nerve cells in the future,” says Mattias Alenius, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience.

Alenius and his research team at the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine seek the answer to this pivotal question from a smaller perspective: the fruit fly’s olfactory system./.../