MINI REVIEW article
Front. Neural Circuits
Volume 19 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fncir.2025.1608270
This article is part of the Research TopicInducing Lifelong Plasticity (iPlasticity) by Brain Rejuvenation: Elucidation and Manipulation of Critical Period MechanismsView all 17 articles
How early olfactory experiences influence brain development in mice
Provisionally accepted
- University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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Mammalian sensory systems develop through both activity-dependent and activityindependent 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.
Keywords: sensory systems, activity, olfactory circuit, critical period, plasticity, olfactory imprinting, Memory
Received: 08 Apr 2025; Accepted: 27 May 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Nishizumi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Hirofumi Nishizumi, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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