Fig 2: mRNAs from the stomatin-domain protein family expressed in the OE. Total mRNA extracted from the OE was amplified by RT-PCR using specific primers for Stom, Stoml1, Stoml2, Stoml3, and Podocin (a) To test the quality of the cDNA, RT-PCR amplifications were performed on Gapdh, Olfr73, Gaolf, (b) Control experiments were done for each target using the same sample template without retro-transcriptase.

Fig 3: Stomatin-domain protein localization in olfactory areas of the nasal cavity. Confocal micrographs at low magnification of coronal sections of the OE of WT mice immuno-stained with antibodies (red) against STOM (a), STOML1 (b), STOML2 (c), and STOML3 (d). The same sections were double-stained with anti-OMP antibodies (e–h, green). At low magnification, STOML2 is mainly visible around the axon bundles of the OSNs, while STOML1 is detected in the cartilage of the nasal septum. STOM and STOML3 predominantly localize in the apical part of the OE along the interface with the lumen of the nasal cavity. Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue).

Fig 4: STOML2 is expressed in olfactory sensory neurons, basal stem cells and ensheathing cells. Confocal micrographs at high magnification of coronal sections of the OE of WT (a–c), triple KO (g–i) and Stoml3 KO (j–l) mice, double-stained with anti-STOML2 (red) and anti-OMP (green) antibodies. In all the three mice models, STOML2 has a punctate pattern spread throughout the OE. STOML2 is detected in the soma of the OSNs, although it is almost absent in the ciliary layer. STOML2 signal also is observed in the most basal region of the OE where locate the basal stem cells. (d–f) Higher magnification of OSN axon bundles shows the localization of STOML2 in ensheathing cells. Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue).