Riverside, California – Scientists have delved into new research suggesting that the sense of smell goes beyond the nose, impacting gene expression in cells. The study conducted at the University of California, Riverside, observed that odors such as those from ripening fruits or fermented foods could potentially have far-reaching effects on gene expression.
Researchers are intrigued by the possibility that sniffing volatile compounds could lead to innovative treatments for cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. While delivering medicine through the nose is not a novel concept, the study’s findings on altering gene expression have opened up new possibilities for treatment avenues.
Anandasankar Ray, a cell and molecular biologist at UC Riverside and senior study author, expressed surprise at the direct alteration of gene expression in tissues exposed to odorants. The team experimented on fruit flies and mice with diacetyl vapors, a compound commonly found in fermented fruits and used in food flavoring.
The research showed that diacetyl acted as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor in lab-grown human cells, leading to significant changes in gene expression. Further experiments indicated that diacetyl vapors could inhibit the growth of human neuroblastoma cells and slow neurodegeneration in a model of Huntington’s disease in fruit flies.
Despite the promising results, concerns were raised about potential health risks associated with inhaling diacetyl. Researchers are exploring other volatile compounds that could alter gene expression without adverse effects.
The study, published in eLife, marks a significant step in understanding the impact of odors on gene expression in cells. The findings open up avenues for potential applications in agriculture, where plants have shown a strong response to volatile chemicals in the air.
As scientists delve deeper into the implications of this research, they emphasize the need for further studies to uncover the mechanisms behind how odors induce gene expression changes. The study highlights the importance of considering the safety of volatile chemicals that can impact cellular functions in various organisms.