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Noradrenergic modulation of cortical taste processing

Award Number: R01DC023564
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2031

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Noradrenergic modulation of cortical taste processing - PROJECT SUMMARY Neuromodulators play a critical role in adaptively regulating sensory neural computations, yet their effects on the taste system remain poorly understood. The gustatory cortex (GC), a subregion of the insular cortex, receives a prominent modulatory input from norepinephrine (NE)-producing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC). Despite this anatomical connection, the functional role of the LC-GC pathway has not been investigated. Our long-term goal is to understand how LC-NE dynamics influence taste perception by modulating taste encoding in the GC. Previous research in rodents has shown that GC ensemble activity encodes taste identity and palatability in a sequential manner within approximately 2.5 seconds of taste reception. Building on these findings, we hypothesize that the timing of LC-NE activation relative to tastant reception significantly shapes its effects on the encoding of taste identity and palatability. To test this hypothesis, we propose three synergistic research aims. In Aim 1, we will characterize the patterns of LC-NE activity in the context of tasting. We will examine how these patterns are influenced by taste valence, expectedness, and the acquisition of cue-taste associations. Specifically, using fiber photometry, we will monitor LC calcium dynamics and NE release in the GC as mice anticipate and sample intraorally delivered tastants. In Aim 2, we will determine the causal impact of LC-NE activity on GC taste encoding by manipulating LC output with temporal precision. We will use optogenetic tools to activate or inhibit LC axons in the GC, in combination with miniscope calcium imaging. This will allow us to assess how the timing of LC input influences GC neuronal responses and the ensemble representation of taste identity and palatability. In Aim 3, we will investigate the role of the LC-GC pathway in shaping taste-guided behaviors. We will assess taste discrimination using a two-alternative choice task and measuring taste palatability perception through licking behavior and orofacial responses. Together, these studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of how behavioral demands modulate LC activity to shape taste encoding and perception. The insights gained may advance our understanding of the neural regulation of adaptive and maladaptive consummatory behaviors.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $564,656 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT	438 WHITNEY RD EXTENSION UNIT 1133	STORRS	CT	06269	CAPITOL	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	1	5/27/2026	NEW	$564,656
														Subtotal = $564,656

Grand Total All Awards = $564,656

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Noradrenergic modulation of cortical taste processing

Award Number: R01DC023564

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2031

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