The Olfactory Mucosa Transcriptome and Microbiota Parkinson’s Disease
Authors List
Yin, T., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Ryan, B., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Curtis, M., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Biswas, K., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Douglas, R., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) is thought to be related to pathological changes in the olfactory bulb. It has been proposed that this process is triggered by the exposure of microbial toxins from the environment to olfactory sensory neurons. We hypothesise that these toxins can be detected by analysing the PD olfactory mucosa transcriptome and microbiota.
Aims: Establish a protocol for obtaining olfactory mucosa samples in PD patients and age-matched controls in a clinic setting. Profile the transcriptome and microbiota in these olfactory mucosa samples.
Methods: Human cadaveric material was used to localise olfactory mucosa and develop a protocol for obtaining biopsies in a clinic setting. PD patients recruited from the neurology clinic complete a standardised psychophysical olfactory test, a PD disease severity questionnaire and a sinusitis symptom questionnaire. Under endoscopic guidance, olfactory mucosa cytobrush, swab and biopsy samples are taken. Neuronal enrichment is determined using markers specific to olfactory and respiratory epithelium. Gene expression will be quantified using a transcriptome-wide microarray. Bacterial and viral gene amplicon sequencing will also be performed for microbiota analysis.
Results: In elderly cadavers, the posterior superior nasal septum was the optimal area for obtaining olfactory mucosa biopsies with olfactory marker protein seen in 2/3 samples. One PD patient has undergone the procedure with histology results showing positive olfactory sensory neuron cells.
Conclusions: Successfully obtaining olfactory mucosa in PD patients for transcriptome and microbiota analysis may improve our understanding of the disease pathogenesis and lead to earlier diagnosis.
Yin, T., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Ryan, B., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Curtis, M., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Biswas, K., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Douglas, R., The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) is thought to be related to pathological changes in the olfactory bulb. It has been proposed that this process is triggered by the exposure of microbial toxins from the environment to olfactory sensory neurons. We hypothesise that these toxins can be detected by analysing the PD olfactory mucosa transcriptome and microbiota.
Aims: Establish a protocol for obtaining olfactory mucosa samples in PD patients and age-matched controls in a clinic setting. Profile the transcriptome and microbiota in these olfactory mucosa samples.
Methods: Human cadaveric material was used to localise olfactory mucosa and develop a protocol for obtaining biopsies in a clinic setting. PD patients recruited from the neurology clinic complete a standardised psychophysical olfactory test, a PD disease severity questionnaire and a sinusitis symptom questionnaire. Under endoscopic guidance, olfactory mucosa cytobrush, swab and biopsy samples are taken. Neuronal enrichment is determined using markers specific to olfactory and respiratory epithelium. Gene expression will be quantified using a transcriptome-wide microarray. Bacterial and viral gene amplicon sequencing will also be performed for microbiota analysis.
Results: In elderly cadavers, the posterior superior nasal septum was the optimal area for obtaining olfactory mucosa biopsies with olfactory marker protein seen in 2/3 samples. One PD patient has undergone the procedure with histology results showing positive olfactory sensory neuron cells.
Conclusions: Successfully obtaining olfactory mucosa in PD patients for transcriptome and microbiota analysis may improve our understanding of the disease pathogenesis and lead to earlier diagnosis.
