The olfactory system is responsible for capturing and processing odorant information, which significantly influences a variety of behaviors in animals. The vertebrate olfactory system consists of several neuronal components including the olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex, which originate from distinct embryonic tissues. The transcription factor Pax6 is strongly expressed in the embryonic and postnatal olfactory systems, and regulates neuronal specification, migration and differentiation. Here we review classical and recent studies focusing on the role of Pax6 in the developing olfactory system, and highlight the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the highly coordinated developmental processes of the vertebrate olfactory system.

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