# Identifying brainstem oscillators and other low-level mechanisms controlling tongue and jaw movements

> **NIH NIH U19** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2024 · $518,931

## Abstract

Abstract- Project 3
Identifying brainstem oscillators and other low-level mechanisms controlling tongue and jaw
movements
All vertebrate species depend on feeding for survival. Like breathing, feeding behaviors such as licking and
chewing involve rhythmic actions that are thought to be generated by central oscillators located in the brainstem.
However, the anatomical locations and the identity of feeding oscillator(s) remain poorly defined. We previously
successfully delineated the rodent whisking oscillator at the molecular, anatomical, electrophysiological,
functional, and mechanical levels. With all the techniques required to comprehensively investigate brainstem
circuits in vivo during orofacial behaviors fully established, here we will explore the low-level neural mechanisms
controlling feeding, especially licking, movements. Based on exciting preliminary studies, we will test the
hypothesis that separate but coordinated neurons/circuits in the brainstem control different aspects of feeding
including rhythmicity, amplitude/direction, and tongue shape.
The goals of Project 3 are: (1) to molecularly, physiologically, and functionally delineate the brainstem
premotor licking oscillator and amplitude controlling neurons; (2) to determine the interactions of premotor licking
oscillator and amplitude controlling neurons during licking vs chewing behaviors; (3) to reveal the neural
mechanisms involved in switching the modes of tongue/jaw movement patterns during licking vs chewing; and
(4) to determine the function of intralingual parasympathetic neurons in regulating tongue shape and physiology.
Results from Project 3 will generate experimental data for models in Project 2, and also test predictions derived
from Projects 1 and 2. Project 3 will also provide the key brainstem substrates to dissect how descending control
signals interact with brainstem nodes to drive flexible orofacial behaviors in Projects 1, 4, and 5.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10930309
- **Project number:** 1U19NS137920-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Fan Wang
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $518,931
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-15 → 2029-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10930309

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10930309, Identifying brainstem oscillators and other low-level mechanisms controlling tongue and jaw movements (1U19NS137920-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10930309. Licensed CC0.

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