Neural crest and ectodermal cells intermix in the nasal placode to give rise to GnRH-1 neurons, sensory neurons, and olfactory ensheathing cells

Abstract

The originof GnRH-1 cells and olfactory ensheathing cells has been controversial. Genetic Crelox lineage tracingof the neural crest (NC) versus ectodermalcontributiontothedeveloping nasal placode was performed usingtwocomplementary mousemodels, the NC-specific Wnt1Cre mouse line and an ectodermal-specific Crect mouse line. Using these lines we prove that the NC give rise to the olfactory ensheathing cells and subpopulations of GnRH-1 neurons, olfactory and vomeronasal cells. These data demonstrate that Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells share a common developmental origin. Furthermore, the results indicate that certain conditions that impact olfaction and sexual development, such as Kallmann syndrome, may be in part neurocristopathies. © 2011 the authors.