# Watching cellular dynamics in the taste bud

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · 2020 · $222,800

## Abstract

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.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10038513
- **Project number:** 1R21DC018878-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- **Principal Investigator:** Robin Frances Krimm
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $222,800
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-06-10 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10038513

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10038513, Watching cellular dynamics in the taste bud (1R21DC018878-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10038513. Licensed CC0.

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