The biology of fish olfaction: amino acids and Ga-proteins

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The sense of smell (olfaction) is a major route by which organisms gather information from their environment. The external cues can induce a diverse array of responses, ranging from internal physiological adjustments to complex behaviours. In fish, dissolved amino acids are essential do numerous behaviours, ranging from food location, to predator avoidance, to migration. At present we know that amino acids can be detected by three morphologically distinct sensory neurons, but what is not known is how these different neurons work together to evoke behavioural responses. The central goal of my research is to help solve this olfactory puzzle, by characterizing what type of olfactory sensory neuron receptor responds to which odorant to eventually evoke a given outcome?