Single-cell analysis of olfactory neurogenesis and differentiation in adult humans

Nat Neurosci. 2020 Mar;23(3):323-326. doi: 10.1038/s41593-020-0587-9. Epub 2020 Feb 17.

Abstract

The presence of active neurogenic niches in adult humans is controversial. We focused attention to the human olfactory neuroepithelium, an extracranial site supplying input to the olfactory bulbs of the brain. Using single-cell RNA sequencing analyzing 28,726 cells, we identified neural stem cell and neural progenitor cell pools and neurons. Additionally, we detailed the expression of 140 olfactory receptors. These data from the olfactory neuroepithelium niche provide evidence that neuron production may continue for decades in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aging / physiology
  • Humans
  • Neural Stem Cells / physiology
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Olfactory Mucosa / innervation*
  • Olfactory Mucosa / physiology*
  • Olfactory Receptor Neurons / physiology
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Single-Cell Analysis*
  • Smell