Interchromosomal interactions and olfactory receptor choice.

TitleInterchromosomal interactions and olfactory receptor choice.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsLomvardas S, Barnea G, Pisapia DJ, Mendelsohn M, Kirkland J, Axel R
JournalCell
Volume126
Issue2
Pagination403-13
Date Published2006 Jul 28
ISSN0092-8674
KeywordsAlleles, Animals, Chromosomes, DNA, DNA Methylation, Enhancer Elements, Genetic, Gene Expression Regulation, In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence, Mice, Mice, Transgenic, Multigene Family, Neurons, Afferent, Olfactory Receptor Neurons, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Pseudogenes, Receptors, Odorant, RNA, Sulfites
Abstract

The expression of a single odorant receptor (OR) gene from a large gene family in individual sensory neurons is an essential feature of the organization and function of the olfactory system. We have used chromosome conformation capture to demonstrate the specific association of an enhancer element, H, on chromosome 14 with multiple OR gene promoters on different chromosomes. DNA and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments allow us to visualize the colocalization of the H enhancer with the single OR allele that is transcribed in a sensory neuron. In transgenic mice bearing additional H elements, sensory neurons that express OR pseudogenes also express a second functional receptor. These data suggest a model of receptor choice in which a single trans-acting enhancer element may allow the stochastic activation of only one OR allele in an olfactory sensory neuron.

DOI10.1016/j.cell.2006.06.035
Alternate JournalCell
PubMed ID16873069
Grant List5P01 CA023767 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
5R01 DC004209-08 / DC / NIDCD NIH HHS / United States
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