# Circuit architecture and dynamics in odor representation and perception

> **NIH NIH R01** · STOWERS INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH · 2024 · $247,897

## Abstract

7. Project Summary/Abstract.
In the mammalian brain, early sensory areas are organized as stereotyped maps of stimulus qualities. The
anatomical features of these sensory maps underlie the neuronal computations and information processing
that are essential to generate appropriate perceptual experiences and behaviors. In the mammalian olfactory
system primary olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) expressing the same odorant receptor converge their axons
into the same insular glomerular structure in the olfactory bulb. The mitral/tufted cells in the bulb received
exclusively input from single glomeruli, but they project to various cortical areas with divergent output patterns.
There are also extensive intercortical connections with no apparent anatomical mapping. It is not well
understood how this pattern of strict convergence and segregation contributes materially to the processing of
olfactory information and odor-driven behaviors. Nor is it understood the role played by the intercortical
connections in the process of odor information. In this project, we establish a multi-disciplinary approach to
determine the contribution of intercortical connections to odor representation and perception. Specifically, we
will use activity marking to determine the stable representation of odors in various cortical areas and test the
hypothesis that intercortical interactions stabilize odor representation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10827943
- **Project number:** 5R01DC014701-08
- **Recipient organization:** STOWERS INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas A Cleland
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $247,897
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2015-07-01 → 2024-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10827943

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10827943, Circuit architecture and dynamics in odor representation and perception (5R01DC014701-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10827943. Licensed CC0.

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