Watching cellular dynamics in the taste bud

项目概要/摘要： 外周味觉系统的一个独特特征是受体细胞死亡并被取代。 这需要不断地对外围系统进行重新布线。为了让新的味觉感受细胞 为了与现有的神经元形成突触，它必须首先接触正确类型的神经元。 neuron.在这里，我们的目标是了解参与这一过程的细胞动力学。我们 假设由于许多受体细胞在10天内被替换， 应该伴随着味蕾细胞的细胞迁移和/或由乔木重塑。 为了验证这一假设，我们将联合收割机遗传标记与活体双光子显微镜相结合 在10天的时间里检查味蕾的可塑性。目标1将研究 当它们成熟时，前体进入味蕾。目标2将衡量 单个神经分支。这些研究将首先用直接的方法来检查味蕾的可塑性， 观察活体动物随时间的变化。未来的研究将使用这种方法来帮助 确定分子因素在味蕾新连接形成中的作用。

Project Summary/Abstract: A unique feature of the peripheral taste system is that the receptor cells die and are replaced. This requires a constant rewiring of the peripheral system. In order for a new taste receptor cell to form a synapse with an existing neuron it must first come into contact with the correct type of neuron. Here, our goal is to understand the cellular dynamics involved in this process. We hypothesize that since many receptor cells are replaced within 10 days, this cellular influx should be accompanied by cellular migration of taste bud cells and/or remodeling by the arbor. To test this hypothesis, we will combine genetic labeling with intra vital two-photon microscopy to examine plasticity in the taste bud over a 10 day period. Aim 1 will examine the migration of precursors into the taste bud as they mature. Aim 2 will measure the growth and retraction of individual nerve branches. These studies will be first to examine taste bud plasticity with direct observation of changes over time in a live animal. Future studies will use this approach to help identify roles of molecular factors underlying the formation of new connections in the taste bud.