Neuroanatomy of the chemical senses

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In this application we aim to characterise the functional and structural neuro-anatomy of the chemical senses, i.e. the senses which allow for the perception of our chemical environment (smell, taste, and the trigeminal system, i.e. the perception of burning, stinging and refreshing). The research program aims at three specific axes, namely (1) the characterisation of the neuro-anatomical determinants of chemosensory perception; (2) the study of interactions between the chemical senses; and (3) the evaluation of neuronal plasticity in the olfactory system. ***Specifically, within the first axis we will examine the neuro-anatomical determinants of chemosensory perception on several levels of information processing, from the periphery (the nasal epithelium) to the center (central nervous system). We will use a large spectrum of techniques (histology, electrophysiology, neuro-imaging) in order to be able to understand the association between anatomical features, sensitivity and perception in the chemical senses. Within the second axis we will assess the degree of interactions between the chemical senses; these are very important since the chemical senses are usually stimulated together (e.g., while eating food).We will use behavioral methods as well as electrophysiological techniques and neuroimaging in order to characterise these complex interactions of mutual amplification and inhibition. Within the third axis we will investigate neuronal plasticity in the olfactory systems which is unmatched (in functional and structural terms) in the adult nervous system. We will investigate neuronal plasticity in induced by short term exposition and by long term training with a particular focus on peripheral and central olfactory processing structures as well as the effects of neuronal plasticity on non-sensory tasks such as memory and emotions processed in the same brain regions. In other words we aim to investigate whether olfactory training may lead to an improvement in non-olfactory tasks. We will again use behavioral methods, electrophysiological techniques as well as neuroimaging.