Effects Of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells On Olfactory Development And Nerve Regeneration

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are a unique type of glia cell that exist in olfactory system. They originate from the olfactory placode, wrap olfactory receptor neuron axon bundles and help them to extend through the cribriform plate into the olfactory bulb. However, little is known about their own biological feature and their roles during development. OECs play an important role on the growth, guidance, and unique regenerative capabilities of primary olfactory axons. Recently, transplantation of OECs has emerged as one of the most promising therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of their role on nerve regeneration after SCI. Here, a series of experimental methods were used to explore the roles that OECs play on olfactory development and nerve regeneration after SCI and the underlying mechanism. Our studies indicated that: (1) Olfactory ensheathing cells promote migration of Schwann cells by secreting nerve growth factor; (2) OECs attract RMS neural progenitors to migrate to the OB through the release of diffusible factors, and this effect was the result of more than one factors. All these works will be helpful for us to understand the effects of OECs on olfactory development, olfactory plasticity, and neural regeneration after injuring, which will provide theoretical basis for looking for new therapeutic strategies for neural development abnormality, nervous system neoplasms, nervous recessive diseases and CNS injury.