Adam Dewan
Contact Information
Interest
We study the molecular and cellular basis for sensory perception. The olfactory system is a powerful model in neuroscience for addressing how inputs to the brain contribute to stimulus perception. Nowhere in the mammalian nervous system is there a more direct relationship between single genes and sensory inputs. A single olfactory receptor gene determines both the response profile of each olfactory sensory neuron and directs its axon guidance. Thus, the first representation of olfactory information is highly amenable to genetic manipulation. We take advantage of the genetic tractability of this system to manipulate the receptor repertoire as well as the organization of sensory inputs into the olfactory bulb to explore how olfactory perception is mapped and encoded within the brain of mice.
Current Research
Using a combination of genetic, optogenetic, optical imaging, and behavioral techniques in mice, our lab is exploring how the organization of the olfactory system influences odor perception. Our lab is focused on a small family of well-conserved olfactory receptors called Trace Amine-Associated Receptors or TAARs. These receptors are critical for the perception of a behaviorally relevant class of odors (amines) and therefore offer a unique window into olfactory processing. Thus, we are using TAARs as a model to uncover how glomerular identity and location in the olfactory bulb influences odor coding and ultimately the perception of the odorant.