Objective
Taste and olfaction share the same function: detect chemicals in the external world or in food. Despite this common functionality, both systems are designed completely differently both at the level of the sensory receptors and in the way information is mapped into the brain. As such, they have been studied separately, under the common assumption that both systems are tuned to detect divergent and non-overlapping ensemble of molecules. We will challenge this view by studying taste in Drosophila, in which taste neurons are accessible to physiological recording and which exhibit well-defined and stereotyped feeding and sexual behaviors. We will first study if volatiles associated with food or general irritants can be detected by taste neurons. Such detection can occur because some olfactory molecules are occasionally reported to be detected by the taste system of some insects. We will then evaluate if these odorants can modulate the detection of tastants related to food or sex or social signaling via pheromones. In order to achieve these goals, we will develop new stimulus delivery protocols (in collaboration with a microfluids laboratory) and evaluate different electrophysiological recording configurations. Lastly, by using existing genetic constructions, we will evaluate different hypotheses concerning the transduction pathways involved. With this innovative research program, we hope to question the unspoken separation that exists between taste and olfaction, and open new perspectives on the evolution of these sensory systems. Our work promises to stimulate further research in sensory biology and insect cognition, revisiting the concept of information coding from mixtures at the peripheral level, and can also have applications in pest management. Our multidisciplinary and collaborative approach will enhance research excellence in Europe.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture agronomy plant protection
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology entomology
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
75794 PARIS
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.