Olfactory Epithelial Cells (OEC)

Olfactory epithelial cells are specialized sensory cells located in the olfactory mucosa, a region lining the nasal cavity. These cells play a critical role in the detection and transduction of odorant molecules, enabling the sense of smell. The olfactory epithelium is unique among sensory tissues due to its capacity for adult neurogenesis, the continuous regeneration of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) throughout life. This regenerative ability is driven by multipotent progenitor cells, which differentiate into mature OSNs, supporting cells, and other cell types within the epithelium.

The olfactory epithelium is a valuable model for studying neurodegenerative diseases and olfactory dysfunction. For example, olfactory biopsies have been used to investigate conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and post-COVID-19 smell loss. Additionally, olfactory epithelial cells share similarities with brain cells, making them a promising tool for studying psychiatric disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Researchers have utilized these cells to explore gene regulation and epigenetic changes associated with these conditions .