The Division of Brain Function uses the mouse central olfactory projection as a model system and studies the development of the nervous system. Mitral cells are the major output neurons of the olfactory bulb that is situated in the rostral telencephalon. These neurons project axons caudally and form the lateral olfactory tract (LOT) on the surface of the telencephalon. A few days after the tract is formed, the axons begin to sprout collateral branches invading the olfactory cortex and make synapses with their target neurons in the olfactory cortex. We developed an organotypic culture system in which mitral cell axons form the LOT and project collateral branches faithfully according to the developmental program (publication1). Using the culture system, we are focused on various developmental phenomena concerning the central olfactory system. Because this system is original and unique, interesting mechanisms controlling the development of nervous system have been elucidated.
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