Notch expression in developing olfactory neuroepithelium.

Notch genes encode receptors for signaling pathways that regulate neurogenesis in various tissues. To better understand the roles of Notch genes in olfactory neurogenesis, we studied the expression of Notch family in developing mouse olfactory epithelium. In the earliest stage of olfactory development, Notch1 was observed in the mesenchyme lateral to the olfactory placode. During the developmental stage, Notch1 was mainly observed around the basal membrane, while Notch3 was observed in the lower compartment of the olfactory neuroepithelium. Notch2 was not detected during the entire observation period. As the olfactory neuroepithelium grew mature, both Notch1 and Notch3 gradually disappeared. These results suggest distinct roles of Notch1 and Notch3 in the neurogenesis of the peripheral olfactory system.