Rearrangement of Actin Microfilaments in the Development of Olfactory Receptor Cells in Fish

Igor V Klimenkov,Nikolay P Sudakov,Nikolay S Kositsyn,Mikhail M Svinov,Mikhail V Pastukhov

doi:10.1038/s41598-018-22049-7

Igor V Klimenkov, Nikolay P Sudakov + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-22049-7

Copy DOI

Abstract

At present, it remains poorly understood how the olfactory neuron migrates through the thick neuroepithelium during its maturation from a stem cell and how it develops a specific sensitivity to environmental odorants after maturation. We investigated the cytochemical features associated with the development of olfactory cells before and after the incorporation of dendrites into the surface of the olfactory epithelium. Using cytochemical staining for the actin cytoskeleton and other cell components, we found that immature neurons acquire a streamlined shape that resembles a «hot-dog» during their migration: a dense layer of actin microfilaments forms beneath the surface membrane of the growing dendrite, and the bulk of the nuclear material moves inside this layer. We have found that when the cell makes contact with its environment, the dendritic terminal develops a wide actin layer, inside which a pore is formed. It is assumed that the functional receptors of odorants generate across this pore the first intracellular signal from environmental water-soluble odorants. These data illustrate the important role of the cytoskeleton in the differentiation of olfactory cells.

Highlights

Through interactions with environmental odorants, olfaction contributes to the development of complex behaviours in animals and humans throughout their lives
We showed for the first time that, when the dendritic terminal makes contact with the epithelial surface, the structural changes in actin microfilaments are accompanied by the formation of a pore
An analysis of preparations stained with FITC-phalloidin for F-actin shows that the daughter cells arising from the division of basal progenitor cells acquire the morphological features of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) as they migrate to the epithelial surface

Summary

Introduction

Through interactions with environmental odorants, olfaction contributes to the development of complex behaviours in animals and humans throughout their lives. We showed for the first time that, when the dendritic terminal makes contact with the epithelial surface, the structural changes in actin microfilaments are accompanied by the formation of a pore.

Results

Conclusion