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

项目概要/摘要 这个探索性研究项目的目标是提高对机制的理解， 哺乳动物神经回路解码环境化学感受信息，并使用该信息 支持生存和繁殖。具体来说，拟议的研究将调查细胞类型特异性神经 在小鼠辅助嗅觉系统（AOS）的平行脑通路中编码。AOS拥有一个 单个神经回路，即副嗅球（AOB），连接鼻子中的外周感觉神经元 边缘系统中的强大区域，但目前还不清楚有关自然发生的信息如何影响大脑的功能。 通过AOB及其下游靶标提取社会化学信号的混合物。探索性 研究计划将利用现有的离体方法，并合作开发体内多中心 多电极AOS记录方法研究AOB及其下游的神经元系综 目标的这项研究将产生将感官体验与"使命关键"哺乳动物行为联系起来的数据。 国家，并提高我们对哺乳动物生理学的理解。这些研究所取得的成果和 建立新的实验和分析工具将最终有益于人类健康。

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.