Sensory neuroscientists in the Department of Neurobiology study how sensory systems (smell, pain and touch) develop, function, and are affected by aging and disease. Our research spans from genes, molecules and proteins, to membranes and cells, and to neuronal circuits and behavior.

Sensory Neurobiology Labs

Erzurumlu Lab

We study cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide axons to their intended targets. We focus on the development and plasticity of the cerebral cortex and somatosensory pathways and study topographic maps, neural patterning, plasticity, and neonatal injury-induced changes in the somatosensory system.

• Reha S. Erzurumlu, PhD, Principal Investigator

Puche Lab

We study how the olfactory system develops and functions, starting from the embryonic stage, followed by early postnatal life and adulthood. We map how microcircuits in the olfactory bulb form and operate. Using extracellular and patch recording, calcium imaging, deep brain imaging, and cell labeling, we characterize the cellular, membrane, pharmacologic, and network properties of these microcircuits.

• Adam Puche, PhD, Principal Investigator

Laboratory of Sensory Perception

One of our projects studies how exposure of the developing brain (in the womb or during adolescence) causes lasting changes in the functions of neural circuits. A second project explores the mechanisms that drive chronic pain and associated affective disorders, and the sex differences in these conditions. Findings from these projects drive our research into approaches to reverse the deleterious changes in these conditions.