Loss of Kirrel family members alters glomerular structure and synapse numbers in the accessory olfactory bulb.

The accessory olfactory system controls social and sexual behaviours in mice, both of which are critical for their survival. Vomeronasal sensory neuron (VSN) axons form synapses with mitral cell dendrites in glomeruli of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Axons of VSNs expressing the same vomeronasal receptor (VR) converge into multiple glomeruli within spatially conserved regions of the AOB.

RGMB and neogenin control cell differentiation in the developing olfactory epithelium.

Cellular interactions are key for the differentiation of distinct cell types within developing epithelia, yet the molecular mechanisms engaged in these interactions remain poorly understood. In the developing olfactory epithelium (OE), neural stem/progenitor cells give rise to odorant-detecting olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and glial-like sustentacular (SUS) cells. Here, we show in mice that the transmembrane receptor neogenin (NEO1) and its membrane-bound ligand RGMB control the balance of neurons and glial cells produced in the OE.

Neural map formation and sensory coding in the vomeronasal system.

Sensory systems enable us to encode a clear representation of our environment in the nervous system by spatially organizing sensory stimuli being received. The organization of neural circuitry to form a map of sensory activation is critical for the interpretation of these sensory stimuli. In rodents, social communication relies strongly on the detection of chemosignals by the vomeronasal system, which regulates a wide array of behaviours, including mate recognition, reproduction, and aggression.

Kirrel3 is required for the coalescence of vomeronasal sensory neuron axons into glomeruli and for male-male aggression.

The accessory olfactory system controls social and sexual interactions in mice that are crucial for survival. Vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) form synapses with dendrites of second order neurons in glomeruli of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Axons of VSNs expressing the same vomeronasal receptor coalesce into multiple glomeruli within spatially conserved regions of the AOB.