Understanding how taste and touch sensations work together in the mouth
The fungiform papilla as a multi-sensory end-organ
This study is looking at how different nerve cells in your mouth help you taste and feel food, focusing on a specific part called the fungiform papillae, to learn more about how these nerves work together and affect your eating experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10870156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how different types of sensory neurons in the mouth contribute to our perception of food. It focuses on the fungiform papillae, which are involved in taste, and aims to identify the various subtypes of neurons that respond to touch and other sensations. By using genetic markers, the study will explore how these neurons interact and how they affect our experience of food. This could lead to a better understanding of sensory processing in the oral cavity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing sensory processing issues in the mouth, such as those with burning mouth syndrome or other oral sensory disorders.
Not a fit: Patients without any sensory processing issues or those not experiencing any oral discomfort may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory perception, potentially leading to improved treatments for conditions affecting taste and mouth sensations.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of sensory modalities in the mouth is a known area of study, the specific focus on the anatomical and functional properties of trigeminal neuron subtypes in the tongue is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krimm, Robin Frances — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Krimm, Robin Frances
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 below.