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Email Alternate: tim.gilbertson@usu.edu
Lab: BIOTEC 301 Lab Phone: 797-7548
COURSE MATERIALS
BIOL 5620
BIOL 5100/6100
The main goal of the research in my laboratory is to understand how information is processed by the nervous system. To accomplish this broad objective, we have focused on investigating the processing of taste stimuli by the peripheral gustatory system. The identification of tastants provided by taste receptor cells is critical in order to make the correct decisions for the acceptance of required nutrients and the rejection of aversive compounds. Furthermore, this detection system is a flexible one, keeping itself tuned to the ever-changing nutritional needs of the organism.
We have focused our research efforts into elucidating the mechanisms by which taste receptor cells fulfill these roles. We have recently expanded our efforts to explore the mechanisms of nutrient detection in several post-ingestive targets as well. Using a combination of electrophysiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and behavior, current projects in the laboratory are trying to answer the following:
• What are the mechanisms by which nutrients are detected by peripheral chemoreceptors? • Are receptor cells able to be modulated according to underlying nutritional state of the organism? • What are the signals that regulate taste receptor function in response to neural or endocrine input?
By understanding the mechanisms of nutrient detection and their regulation, we will be able to better understand the role these peripheral chemosensory systems play in the control of ingestive behavior.
For more information visit our lab website here
• ACTIVE FUNDING •
* NIH-NIDCD R01: Taste Transduction and its Regulation; $1,400,000; 2003 - 2008 * NIH-NIDDK R01: Mechanisms of Peripheral Fat Detection; $1,040,000; 2000 - 2005 * NIH-NIDCD R01: Sensory Coding in Taste; $650,000; 2001 - 2006 * Utah Agriculture Experiment Station: Role of K+ Channels in Nutrient Detection...; $73,214; 2001-2005 * Eli Lilly Corp.: Olanzapine: Taste & Feeding Study; $129,000; 2004-2006
• TEACHING •
* BIOL 5620: Medical Physiology (Spr) • Offered Spring in odd-numbered years •
Catalog Description: Cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, excretory, and nervous system function in the mammalian body. Emphasis on molecular mechanisms. Examples from mammalian diseases used to illustrate key concepts. Prerequisites: Biol 1220, 2000 or 5600; Chem 3700 or 5710 (may be taken concurrently). (3 cr).
Biology 5620 Web Page is here
* BIOL 5100/6100: Neurobiology (Fall) • Offered Fall in odd-numbered years •
Catalog Description: Biol 5100 (d6100): Neurobiology. Physiology, organization, and development of nervous systems. Examples taken from vertebrate and invertebrate systems. Special emphasis placed on cellular and molecular substrates of electrical excitability. Prerequisites: Biol 5600 or 5620; Chem 1220; and Phyx 2120 or 2220. For graduate (6000-level) credit, additional reading, recitation, and/or writing will be required.(3 cr) (F)
Biology 5100/6100 Web Page is here
