Functions of gustatory afferent neuron types.

Project Narrative Our selection of foods we consume is governed in large part by taste pathways in the periphery (sweet, salty, sour, etc). However, there is a paucity of information about the molecular identities of afferent sensory neurons that process taste signals and transmit these signals to the brain. Understanding how basic tastes are encoded by sensory neurons whose molecular profiles are known is key for understanding diet selection and making rational choices of what we eat.