Lateral olfactory tract usher substance

Lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS), also known as Cartilage acidic protein-1B (Crtac1B), is a membrane protein produced by neurons. During embryonic development, it is strongly expressed in the olfactory bulb by Mitral cells.^[1]

Function

LOTUS is an endogenous antagonist of the Nogo receptor (NgR1) and Paired Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor B (PirB in mice, LilrB2 in humans). These receptors block neuronal outgrowth when activated. By blocking their function, LOTUS promotes neuronal growth, e.g. during the formation of the lateral olfactory tract.^[2] As LOTUS generates a permissive brain environment for neuronal regeneration, it may aid recovery after spinal cord injury. It also has been shown to reduce synapse loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.^[3]