Contact:otsubo@brain.kyutech.ac.jp
The information in our external environment is initially detected by sensory
organs such as the eyes or the ears and converted into biological information
(electrical and chemical information), which reaches the brain by the afferent
nerves, allowing us to recognize the external environment. In our lab,
we investigate the neuronal basis of chemical sensing, particularly taste
sensing mechanisms, using electrophysiological recordings (patch clamp
recordings), Ca2+ imaging, immunohistostaining, and molecular biological methods. Recently, we reported that taste receptor cells in the taste buds generate
an oscillating membrane depolarization in response to substances with sweet,
umami, and bitter taste. By clarifying the molecular mechanisms generating the oscillation, its
physiological significance, and other related questions we aim to contribute
the development of novel chemical sensors which can mimick the signal processing
found on taste buds.
Please contact me if you are interested in taste signal transduction, cell
electrophysiology, gene expression, etc.
In addition, if
you are interested in methods to detect virus such as the Hepatitis virus (HAV,
HEV) in water, please contact me. We have the means and the knowledge and are
happy to share it with you.
3D-reconstracted image of type II cells (green) and type III cells (red) in a single fungiform taste bud of mice. 〜obtained by Nikon, N-SIM 〜 |
Hibikino 2-4, Wakamatsu-ku,
Kitakyushu, 808-0196, Japan
email: otsubo@brain.kyutech.ac.jp