Olfactory receptors for semiochemical detection in the main olfactory system
(collaboration with Drs. Vijay Ramakrishnan, CU Anschutz Otolaryngology and Joel Mainland, Monell Chemical Senses Center). We examine olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) from the main olfactory epithelium of mice and humans to identify olfactory receptors that respond to semiochemicals including putative pheromones, major histocompatibility complex peptides and body fluids. RNAseq after flow cytometry of OSNs expressing nuclear mCherry under the OMP promoter and GFP under the TRPM5 promoter have identified a subset of olfactory receptors differentially expressed in this population of cells. Responsiveness of these olfactory receptors is being characterized with a high throughput assay testing thousands of stimuli by our collaborator Dr. Joel Mainland at Monell. Funded by NIDCD R01DC014253, Restrepo (PI), Ramakrishnan (Co-PI) and Mainland (Co-PI). |
Cortical circuit dysfunction in fragile x syndrome
(collaboration with Dr. Molly Huntsman). The experiments define in an animal model system for Fragile X Syndrome mechanisms resulting in faulty activation of a small yet powerful population of inhibitory interneurons, and identify modes of corrective restoration through pharmacologic and genetic approaches. Funded by NINDS R01NS095311, Huntsman (PI), Restrepo (Co-PI) |
Development of a Bidirectional Optogenetic Minimally Invasive Peripheral Nerve Interface with single axon read-in & read-out specificity(Collaboration with Drs. Richard Weir, John Caldwell and Emily Gibson)
Our goal for this project is to develop a novel compact Optogenetic based Optical Probe capable of optically neuromodulating individual afferent and/or efferent axons within nerves of the parasympathetic, or peripheral, nervous system. We seek to read-in or read-out from these nerves with the goal of modulating the organs or brain circuits innervated by them. Funded by NIH SPARC, Caldwell (PI), Gibson(PI), Weir (PI). |
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Optical, behavioral and electrical probing of the inhibitory cerebellar circuit during a reward-oriented task
(collaboration with Drs. Isabell Llano, University of Paris, Laure Rondi-Reig, University of Paris and Emily Gibson, CU Anschutz Bioengineering). This project aims to decipher how information processing by the interneurons of the cerebellar cortex depends on the reward context of a motor task. The will focus on examining and manipulating the activity of GABA-releasing neurons of the cerebellar cortex in mice performing behaviors with different reward contents. The work will involve 2 photon calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulations in behaving mice. Funded by the French national Agency of Research (ANR) and the NINDS Brain Initiative project (Llano, PI, Rondi-Reig, Co-PI, Restrepo, Co-PI). |
Collaborative Research: NCS-FR: Shedding light on brain circuits mediating navigation of the odor plume in a natural environment
Members of our OPeN interdisciplinary team developed a novel two photon fiber-coupled microscope for 3D imaging of brain activity in the freely moving mouse under partial funding from an NSF NCS:FOUNDATIONS grant and generated and quantified realistic odor environments in the laboratory to explore algorithms used for odor-guided navigation under funding by an NSF Ideas Lab “Cracking the Olfactory Code”. In this NCS:FRONTIERS project we leverage the extensive expertise and achievements of the team to crack the circuit basis for odor plume navigation. We will develop a low-weight, miniature 3-photon fiber coupled microscope (3P-FCM) to record neuronal activity simultaneously in one brain area in two planes of view. In addition, OPeN will develop a portable photoionization (PID) sensor to detect the odorant concentration at the nostril as the animal navigates the odor plume. Members of the OPeN team will record neural activity in the hippocampus and cerebellum of animals navigating the odor plume and will develop a Bayesian analysis method to decode odor plume navigation from neural activity. This multidisciplinary approach will result in understanding of the brain mechanisms of odor plume navigation. |
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