Understanding how the brain processes smells through specific nerve circuits
Official title: Utilizing Receptor-defined Odor Coding Channels to Understand Inhibitory Circuit Organization
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11244464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's smell receptors work and how certain brain circuits help control these responses, using special mice to better understand how we process different smells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,520 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DC022517-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11244464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with olfactory processing disorders or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any sensory processing issues or those not affected by olfactory disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sensory receptors in the brain respond to different smells and how inhibitory circuits influence these responses. By using specially designed mouse models, the study aims to map the organization of these circuits in the olfactory bulb, which is crucial for understanding how smells are processed. The researchers will explore whether the connections between these circuits are structured or random, and how this affects the way smells are perceived. This work could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of sensory processing in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of sensory processing disorders and potential therapeutic strategies for conditions affecting the sense of smell.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in mapping sensory circuits, indicating that this approach has potential for valuable insights into olfactory processing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herrboldt, Madison — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Herrboldt, Madison
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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.