How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice

Mammalian sensory systems develop through both activity-dependent and activity-independent processes. While the foundational neural circuits are encoded by genetics, their refinement depends on activity-driven mechanisms. During the neonatal critical period - a specific developmental phase - sensory...

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Main Author: Hirofumi Nishizumi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Neural Circuits
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncir.2025.1608270/full
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author Hirofumi Nishizumi
author_facet Hirofumi Nishizumi
author_sort Hirofumi Nishizumi
collection DOAJ
description Mammalian sensory systems develop through both activity-dependent and activity-independent processes. While the foundational neural circuits are encoded by genetics, their refinement depends on activity-driven mechanisms. During the neonatal critical period - a specific developmental phase - sensory circuits adapt and mature in response to environmental stimuli. Initially, this plasticity is reversible, but over time, it becomes permanent. Lack of adequate stimulation during this phase can lead to impaired neural function, highlighting the importance of sensory input for optimal system development. In mice, olfactory neural circuits are first established largely through genetic programming. However, early exposure to environmental odors is crucial in shaping these circuits, affecting both odor perception and social behaviors. This review explores recent findings on the development of olfactory circuits in mice and their impact on behavior.
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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series Frontiers in Neural Circuits
spelling doaj-art-d74fd8ad086443888ee09e734ff3a8b22025-08-20T03:44:55ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Neural Circuits1662-51102025-06-011910.3389/fncir.2025.16082701608270How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in miceHirofumi NishizumiMammalian sensory systems develop through both activity-dependent and activity-independent processes. While the foundational neural circuits are encoded by genetics, their refinement depends on activity-driven mechanisms. During the neonatal critical period - a specific developmental phase - sensory circuits adapt and mature in response to environmental stimuli. Initially, this plasticity is reversible, but over time, it becomes permanent. Lack of adequate stimulation during this phase can lead to impaired neural function, highlighting the importance of sensory input for optimal system development. In mice, olfactory neural circuits are first established largely through genetic programming. However, early exposure to environmental odors is crucial in shaping these circuits, affecting both odor perception and social behaviors. This review explores recent findings on the development of olfactory circuits in mice and their impact on behavior.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncir.2025.1608270/fullsensory systemsactivityolfactory circuitcritical periodplasticityolfactory imprinting
spellingShingle Hirofumi Nishizumi
How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice
Frontiers in Neural Circuits
sensory systems
activity
olfactory circuit
critical period
plasticity
olfactory imprinting
title How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice
title_full How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice
title_fullStr How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice
title_full_unstemmed How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice
title_short How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice
title_sort how early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice
topic sensory systems
activity
olfactory circuit
critical period
plasticity
olfactory imprinting
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncir.2025.1608270/full
work_keys_str_mv AT hirofuminishizumi howearlyolfactoryexperiencesinfluencebraindevelopmentinmice