Smell Research: New Model Developed
Tufts University researchers unveil a groundbreaking 3D mouse model,which spotlights an overlooked role for dormant stem cells in olfactory neuron regeneration,offering fresh hope for treating smell loss. This innovative research pinpoints how horizontal basal cells (HBCs) and globose basal cells (GBCs) interact to foster new smell-sensing nerve tissue—a vital step forward. The study suggests HBCs, previously thought inactive, actively support new neuron production—a surprising revelation. This work, published in Cell Reports Methods, is critical, especially with the rise of smell loss from COVID-19 and aging. The team aims to replicate the model with human tissue. News Directory 3 continues to report on the biggest stories in science, health, and innovation.discover what’s next as they work toward screening drugs to combat smell disorders.
Dormant Stem Cells May Play Key Role in Restoring Sense of Smell
Updated June 3,2025
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have found that a specific type of stem cell,once thought to be inactive,may have a notable role in maintaining the sense of smell.The revelation, made using a novel three-dimensional model of nerve tissue regeneration in the nose, offers potential new avenues for treating smell loss.
unlike central nervous system cells, olfactory neurons possess a remarkable ability to regenerate throughout life. However, viral infections like COVID-19, exposure to toxins, and even aging can impair this ability, leading to diminished or complete loss of smell. To better understand this process, the team created a 3D olfactory tissue mouse model.
The study, published in Cell Reports Methods, uses this model to demonstrate how horizontal basal cells (HBCs) and globose basal cells (GBCs), two types of stem cells in the nose, interact to develop new smell-sensing nerve tissue. Brian Lin, a research assistant professor in the Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology and senior author of the study, said the research suggests these two stem cells may be interdependent.
Lin added that HBCs, previously considered largely dormant, may actually play a crucial role in supporting new neuron production and repairing damaged tissue. The team identified a subpopulation of HBCs, marked by KRT5 protein production, that actively support new olfactory neuron generation. When these cells were selectively removed from the cultures, new neuron generation was significantly impaired.
The researchers also examined cells from mice of varying ages. Lin said they observed a decline in older mice cells’ ability to generate new neurons, possibly due to a decrease in the GBC population with age. Further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis and explore ways to rejuvenate these cells.
Juliana Gutschow Gameiro, lead author and former Ph.D. student from the State University of Londrina, Brazil, focused on developing a model that was easy to create in labs with limited resources. Lin noted that the association of smell loss with conditions like COVID-19 and Parkinson’s disease has spurred increased research into olfactory epithelial cells.
Lin said the goal was to develop an accessible model for researchers, including non-stem cell biologists, to better understand olfactory neuron regeneration and the causes of its decline or failure.
What’s next
The team’s ultimate goal is to develop a human organoid using this mouse-tissue model to screen drugs for treating people with significantly diminished or lost sense of smell. Lin said obtaining pure olfactory tissue from humans is challenging, as separating human respiratory and olfactory stem cells collected via nasal swab is challenging. The next step involves developing a simple, inexpensive technique for separating and growing human olfactory stem cells in the lab.