Understanding how olfactory receptor genes are regulated in smell neurons
Official title: Identifying the mechanism of olfactory receptor gene regulation in olfactory neurons with live-cell imaging
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11110864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes that help us smell are controlled in our nose's nerve cells, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our sense of smell works and how it might be affected by different brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $75,600 |
| NIH project number | 3K99DC021219-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing olfactory dysfunction or those with neurodegenerative disorders that may impact their sense of smell.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact olfactory function and no neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the regulation of olfactory receptor genes in neurons responsible for our sense of smell. Using advanced live-cell imaging techniques, the study aims to uncover how specific transcription factors interact to control the expression of these genes. By focusing on the mechanisms that allow a single olfactory receptor gene to be expressed in each neuron, the research seeks to provide insights into the fundamental processes of olfactory perception. This could have implications for understanding how olfactory function is affected in various neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of olfactory dysfunction, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions that affect the sense of smell.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using live-cell imaging for olfactory receptor gene regulation is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding gene expression mechanisms in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pulupa, Joan M. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pulupa, Joan M.
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.