Investigating information processing in parallel circuits that link external chemical signals to social behavior

项目摘要/摘要 这一探索性研究项目的目标是提高对 哺乳动物神经回路解码环境化学感觉信息，并利用该信息 支持生存和繁殖。具体地说，这项拟议的研究将研究特定细胞类型的神经 编码在小鼠辅助嗅觉系统(AOS)的平行脑通路中。AOS拥有一个 连接鼻子周围感觉神经元的单个神经回路，即副嗅球(AOB) 到边缘系统的强大区域，但尚不清楚关于自然发生的信息如何 通过AOB及其下游靶标提取社会化学信号的混合。探索性的 研究计划将利用现有的体外方法，并合作开发体内多部位 AOB及其下游神经元群的多电极AOS记录方法研究 目标。这项研究将产生将感觉体验与“关键任务”哺乳动物行为联系起来的数据 状态，并提高我们对哺乳动物生理的理解。这些研究所取得的成果和 建立新的实验和分析工具最终将有益于人类健康。

Project Summary/Abstract The goal of this exploratory research project is to improve understanding about the mechanisms by which mammalian neural circuits decode environmental chemosensory information and use that information to support survival and reproduction. Specifically, the proposed research will investigate cell type-specific neural codes in the parallel brain pathways of the mouse accessory olfactory system (AOS). The AOS possesses a single neural circuit, the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), that links the peripheral sensory neurons in the nose to powerful regions in the limbic system, but it remains unclear how information about naturally-occurring blends of social chemosignals is extracted through the AOB and its downstream targets. The exploratory research plan will utilize existing ex vivo approaches and collaboratively develop in vivo multi-site multielectrode AOS recording methods to investigate neuronal ensemble in the AOB and its downstream targets. This research will produce data linking sensory experience to “mission critical” mammalian behavioral states, and improve our understanding of mammalian physiology. The gains made by these studies and the establishment of new experimental and analytical tools will ultimately benefit human health.