The research goals of the Section of Molecular Neurobiology are to define the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and function of mammalian chemosensory systems. One area of emphasis is the identification of molecules that direct the establishment of the precise patterns of synaptic connectivity observed between peripheral olfactory sensory neurons and their target neurons in the olfactory bulb. Previous studies led to the identification of the sema4g gene that encodes a novel axonal guidance molecule highly expressed in chemosensory neurons of the developing olfactory and vomeronasal systems. Results obtained during the past year indicate that other members of the sema family, based on their early developmental expression patterns in sensory neurons, may act in concert with Sema4g to mediate axonal targeting. There is very little known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms critical for taste perception. During the past year, studies aimed at identifying molecules important for gustatory system function were initiated. In an attempt to identify novel genes expressed in taste buds where the initial step of gustatory information processing occurs, the expression patterns of over 200 novel EST clones derived from a rat taste tissue cDNA library were examined by in situ hybridization. Several expression profiles were observed among the genes analyzed including genes abundantly expressed in all taste buds as well as genes whose expression was limited to a subset of taste buds. Such genes will provide much needed taste bud specific markers for future developmental and functional studies. In addition, RT-PCR based approaches and database analysis have identified candidate genes, currently under study, that may encode components of the gustatory signal transduction machinery.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01DC000034-04
Application #
6431978
Study Section
(LMB)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Deafness & Other Communication Disorders
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code
Bartel, Dianna L; Sullivan, Susan L; Lavoie, Elise G et al. (2006) Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-2 is the ecto-ATPase of type I cells in taste buds. J Comp Neurol 497:1-12
LopezJimenez, Nelson D; Cavenagh, Margaret M; Sainz, Eduardo et al. (2006) Two members of the TRPP family of ion channels, Pkd1l3 and Pkd2l1, are co-expressed in a subset of taste receptor cells. J Neurochem 98:68-77
LopezJimenez, Nelson D; Sainz, Eduardo; Cavenagh, Margaret M et al. (2005) Two novel genes, Gpr113, which encodes a family 2 G-protein-coupled receptor, and Trcg1, are selectively expressed in taste receptor cells. Genomics 85:472-82
Sullivan, Susan L (2002) Mammalian chemosensory receptors. Neuroreport 13:A9-17
Sainz, E; Korley, J N; Battey, J F et al. (2001) Identification of a novel member of the T1R family of putative taste receptors. J Neurochem 77:896-903
Li, H; Wu, D K; Sullivan, S L (1999) Characterization and expression of sema4g, a novel member of the semaphorin gene family. Mech Dev 87:169-73