Olfactory receptors in neural regeneration in the central nervous system

Olfactory receptors, traditionally known for detecting odors, are also found in various non-olfactory tissues like the brain and skin. This discovery challenges our understanding of sensory and physiological processes and opens new possibilities for therapies and diagnostics. These receptors play diverse roles beyond smell, influencing metabolism, cell growth, and chemotaxis. Their ability to respond to various chemicals can be used in bioengineering for biosensors and targeted treatments. This review explores how olfactory receptors, expressed in unexpected places, may aid neural regeneration in the central nervous system. It also highlights compounds that can activate these receptors to start regenerative processes, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.

• 1
  Olfactory receptors are crucial for detecting odors and influencing behaviors from food choices to emotional memories, and have potential applications in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
• 2
  Ectopic olfactory receptors play diverse roles beyond olfaction, such as metabolism regulation, cell proliferation, and chemotaxis.
• 3
  Olfactory receptors could serve as potential therapeutic targets for enhancing neural repair and recovery following central nervous system injuries.