Cholinergic signals shaping how we smell in the awake brain
Official title: Cholinergic modulation of olfactory coding.
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11332023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how brain chemicals that release acetylcholine change the way smelling information is processed in awake animals, with potential implications for Alzheimer’s-related smell changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2015 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $460,908 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC013779-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332023 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias or anyone experiencing early olfactory changes may indirectly benefit from advances in understanding cholinergic modulation of smell.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project does not involve direct patient participation or treatment.
What this research studies
The research aims to understand how brain states influence how smells are encoded by neural circuits, focusing on the basal forebrain cholinergic system. It will explore what drives cholinergic neuron activity and how acetylcholine affects olfactory bulb processing, especially in awake animals. By linking sensory input, brain state, and olfactory coding, the study seeks to reveal fundamental mechanisms that could relate to cognitive changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how smell processing relates to brain state and disease could inform future approaches for early detection or treatment of olfactory and cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer’s.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests acetylcholine modulates olfactory responses, but studies in awake animals are limited, making this project relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fletcher, Max L — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Fletcher, Max L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.