I study the molecular and cellular physiology of sensory organs. Specifically, my research focuses on signal transduction and signal processing in taste buds. I use functional imaging with voltage-, pH-, and ion-sensitive fluorescent dyes, confocal microscopy, and electrophysiology.Our laboratory studies sensory neurobiology, and specifically the transmission of orosensations (e.g., taste, pain, temperature, irritating chemicals) from peripheral sensory structures into the brain.Patients undergoing chemotherapy experience a number of adverse side effects that profoundly change their quality of life. Among these are changes in taste and other orosensory disturbances, including metallic taste and hypersensitivity to cold foods and drink. We are studying the peripheral sensory neurons that transmit these signals into the brain in hopes of understanding how the disturbances arise and finding methods to reduce or eliminate these adverse side effects.
