# Functions of gustatory afferent neuron types.

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $595,147

## Abstract

Project Summary
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) has made unprecedented strides in discovering previously
unrecognized diversity of neuronal cell types and their functions. Using scRNAseq, we showed that the mouse
geniculate ganglion contains 3 molecularly distinct types of gustatory neurons that innervate taste buds, T1,
T2, and T3, each with unique patterns of gene expression. In a concerted effort from two well-established
laboratories, we now propose a multi-PI project to test hypotheses regarding distinct functions for each of the
major types of neurons and their subtypes. Our ultimate goal is to produce an integrated molecular and
functional categorization of gustatory neurons similar to what has been so powerfully effective in the auditory,
visual, and somatosensory systems. We propose using a newly-optimized method for in vivo confocal Ca2+
imaging, neuron-selective fluorescent markers, and chemogenetic silencing to reveal the functions of T1 and
T3 geniculate ganglion neurons. Specifically, using GCaMP-based Ca2+ imaging, we will test the hypothesis
that within the cluster of T1 neurons there are subclasses that respond to distinct taste qualities whereas
neurons within the T3 cluster respond to multiple, convergent tastes. We will further test the hypothesis that
T1 and T3 neuronal subtypes contribute to separate central pathways serving a number of taste-dependent
functions downstream of initial detection in the taste periphery.
Completing the above aims will move the field of taste into a new era of molecular-functional integration. Our
findings will assist electrophysiology and circuit tracing studies in taste, will shed light on the controversy over
labeled lines versus combinatorial taste coding, and will bring new information on gustatory neural pathways
that are so important to nutrition and ingestive behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10754866
- **Project number:** 5R01DC018733-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Nirupa Chaudhari
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $595,147
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-07-10 → 2025-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10754866

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10754866, Functions of gustatory afferent neuron types. (5R01DC018733-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10754866. Licensed CC0.

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