Investigating how fatty acids affect different taste cell types
Official title: Fatty acid signaling in distinct taste cell types
Funded at University of Central Florida · NIH-11003334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fatty acids affect our sense of taste by focusing on different taste cells in our taste buds, and it aims to find out if men and women experience these fatty acid signals differently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $187,303 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021103-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals interested in understanding the biological mechanisms of taste and those who may have conditions related to appetite regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in taste perception or those not affected by appetite-related conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how fatty acids influence taste perception by examining the roles of different types of taste cells in the taste bud. The study focuses on Type II and Type III cells, which are believed to respond to fatty acids through distinct signaling pathways. By analyzing these pathways, the research aims to uncover potential differences in how males and females process fatty acid signals. This could lead to a better understanding of taste perception and its biological mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of taste perception and potentially inform dietary recommendations or treatments for conditions related to appetite and obesity.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of fatty acid signaling in taste cells is a relatively novel approach, previous studies have shown success in understanding taste modalities through cellular signaling pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilbertson, Timothy a. — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Gilbertson, Timothy a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Risk and Prevention among Trans Women
A study to improve STI testing and prevention for trans women by testing self-collection vs clinician collection, and by measuring STI prevalence across sites and how social factors influence risk.
-
Collaborative AI for safer, faster bacteremia care
A physician-centered AI system is being built to help diagnose and treat bloodstream infections more accurately and safely, with the goal of reducing sepsis deaths.
-
Bayesian data tools to map and fight syphilis and congenital syphilis
A data-driven, bayesian approach will turn messy health data into clear, local-level insights to prevent congenital syphilis and reduce syphilis in communities.
-
Harnessing neuron-derived vesicles to find Huntington’s disease biomarkers
A research project aims to identify brain-derived biomarkers in blood that reflect Huntington disease activity, using neuronal extracellular vesicles as the signal source.
-
Heart nerves: mapping how the heart’s sensing nerves connect in health and diabetes
This project maps the nerve pathways that sense heart signals in healthy and diabetic hearts to identify targets for therapies that could reduce heart injury.
-
Strengths-based suicide prevention for Black sexual minority youth
A research project aims to help Black sexual minority youth reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors by understanding protective factors and risks in everyday life.
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.