Ascl3 transcription factor marks a distinct progenitor lineage for non-neuronal support cells in the olfactory epithelium

Sci Rep. 2016 Dec 2:6:38199. doi: 10.1038/srep38199.

Abstract

The olfactory epithelium (OE) is composed of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), sustentacular supporting cells, and several types of non-neuronal cells. Stem and progenitor cells are located basally, and are the source of all cell types needed to maintain OE homeostasis. Here, we report that Ascl3, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is expressed in the developing OE. Lineage tracing experiments demonstrate that the non-neuronal microvillar cells and Bowman's glands are exclusively derived from Ascl3+ progenitor cells in the OE during development. Following chemically-induced injury, Ascl3 expression is activated in a subset of horizontal basal cells (HBCs), which repopulate all microvillar cells and Bowman's glands during OE regeneration. After ablation of Ascl3-expressing cells, the OE can regenerate, but lacks the non-neuronal microvillar and Bowman's gland support cells. These results demonstrate that Ascl3 marks progenitors that are lineage-committed strictly to microvillar cells and Bowman's glands, and highlight the requirement for these cell types to support OE homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Cell Lineage / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Olfactory Mucosa / cytology
  • Olfactory Mucosa / embryology*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ascl3 protein, mouse
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors