Researchers Unveil Breakthrough Model to Decode Sense of Smell

Quick Summary

• Researchers at Tufts university have developed a three-dimensional olfactory tissue mouse model to study nerve tissue regeneration in the nose.
• The study, published in Cell Reports Methods, identifies a potential key role of horizontal basal cells (HBCs) in producing new smell-sensing neurons and repairing damaged tissue.
• HBCs once thought dormant were found to support olfactory neuron generation actively, particularly due to subpopulations marked by the protein KRT5.
• Aging results in diminished stem cell populations like globose basal cells (GBCs), potentially impacting the regeneration of neurons tied to sense of smell.
• The organoid model is designed for accessibility, enabling labs with limited resources to advance research on olfactory regeneration-particularly connected to conditions like COVID-induced anosmia or Parkinson’s disease.
• Future goals include developing human organoids from nasal tissues for drug screenings and therapeutic applications.

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Indian Opinion analysis

This research provides promising insights into combating loss of smell caused by aging or conditions like COVID-19. With its accessible design, the mouse model could democratize advanced studies on olfactory dysfunction across laboratories globally. In India specifically-with high numbers of COVID-related complications-the findings offer hope for addressing sensory deficits using less resource-intensive methods.

However, limitations remain as scientists transition toward adapting this approach to humans. India’s pharmaceutical sector may find opportunities in designing targeted therapies once human-specific models are developed. Ensuring affordable solutions would align well with national goals on equitable healthcare access while supporting advancements in regenerative medicine capabilities.