Mesenchymal/Epithelial Induction Mediates Olfactory Pathway Formation

In the olfactory pathway, as in the limbs, branchial arches, and heart, mesenchymal/epithelial induction, mediated by retinoic acid (RA), FGF8, sonic hedgehog (shh), and the BMPs, defines patterning, morphogenesis, and differentiation. Neuronal differentiation in the olfactory epithelium and directed growth of axons in the nascent olfactory nerve depend critically upon this inductive interaction. When RA, FGF8, shh, or BMP signaling is disrupted, distinct aspects of olfactory pathway patterning and differentiation are compromised. Thus, a cellular and molecular mechanism that facilitates musculoskeletal and vascular development elsewhere in the embryo has been adapted to guide the differentiation of the olfactory pathway in the developing forebrain.