Assembly and Function of Olfactory Circuitry from Dbxl-derived Neural Progenitors

Children'S Research Institute, Washington DC

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): How neural developmental programs are linked to the establishment of mature brain circuits and related behavior remains a central question of neuroscience. Our previous studies revealed that a class of neural progenitors defined by the expression of the homeodomain encoding transcription factor, Dbx1, are dedicated for the generation of subsets of neurons of the limbic system including the olfactory bulb. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that Dbx1+ progenitors located in a distinct embryonic niche generate a functionally distinct interconnected subset of olfactory bulb output neurons that are dedicated to the processing of subsets of innate behaviors. Testing of this hypothesis will be accomplished using a combination of multidisciplinary approaches including genetic fate mapping, optogenetics and innate behavioral testing.