Molecular biological approaches to the olfactory system: olfactory marker protein as a model

• Published in: Chemical senses 1985, Vol.10 (2), p.163-174
• Main Authors: Margolis, F.L., Sydor, W., Teitelbaum, Z., Blacher, R., Grillo, M., Rogers, K., Sun, R., Gubler, U.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: amino acid sequence; mRNA; olfactory marker protein; olfactory system; protein biosynthesis
• ISSN: 0379-864X; 1464-3553
• DOI: 10.1093/chemse/10.2.163

Detailed exploration of the chemistry of proteins and nucleic acids and of the mechanisms regulating gene expression have become commonplace with the advent of recent advances in molecular biology. The olfactory system is an attractive model in which to study a wide variety of cellular- and neurobiological questions. Thus, the application to this system of molecular biological techniques should open wide areas for study. Our initial efforts have been directed at the olfactory marker protein (OMP). We have determined almost the complete amino acid sequence, isolated, characterized and sized the mRNA and demonstrated its translation in vitro. In addition, cloning of the cDNA for this protein is underway. In this paper we present an overview of our initial efforts in the use of this technology as well as some indication of the results which may be expected from its application in the future.