We analyzed the impact of neurodegeneration in the olfactory epithelium of NPC1-/- mice and observed considerable loss of mature olfactory receptor neurons. Read more!
Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal neurovisceral lysosomal lipid storage disorder. The mutation of the NPC1 protein affects the homeostasis and transport of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids from late endosomes/lysosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum resulting in progressive neurodegeneration. Since olfactory impairment is one of the earliest symptoms in many neurodegenerative disorders, we focused on alterations of the olfactory epithelium in an NPC1 mouse model. Based on immunohistochemical evaluation of the olfactory epithelium, we analyzed the impact of neurodegeneration in the olfactory epithelium of NPC1-/- mice and observed considerable loss of mature olfactory receptor neurons as well as an increased number of proliferating and apoptotic cells.
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