Differential impact of Lhx2 deficiency on expression of class I and class II odorant receptor genes in mouse

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2007 Apr;34(4):679-88. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2007.01.014. Epub 2007 Feb 2.

Abstract

Odorant receptor (OR) genes can be classified into two types: fish-like class I OR genes and mammalian-specific class II OR genes. We have previously shown that Lhx2, a LIM-homeodomain protein, binds to the homeodomain site in the promoter region of mouse M71, a class II OR, and that a knockout mutation in Lhx2 precludes expression of all tested class II OR genes including M71. Here, we report that most class I OR genes, which are expressed in a dorsal region of the olfactory epithelium, are still expressed in Lhx2-deficient embryos. There are two exceptions: two class I OR genes, which are normally expressed in a more ventral region, are no longer expressed in Lhx2 mutant mice. Lhx2 is transcribed in olfactory sensory neurons irrespective of expression of class I or class II OR genes. Thus, a deficiency of Lhx2 has a differential impact on class I and class II OR gene expression.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Mice
  • Olfactory Mucosa / embryology
  • Olfactory Mucosa / metabolism
  • Olfactory Receptor Neurons / embryology*
  • Olfactory Receptor Neurons / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Receptors, Odorant / genetics*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transcription Factors / deficiency*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Lhx2 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Odorant
  • Transcription Factors