Activity-dependent plasticity and olfactory learning

The ability to sense and respond to environmental cues is vital for the survival of all organisms. This process hinges on the integration of sensory information to generate appropriate behaviors, a capability rooted in neuronal plasticity. Neuronal plasticity encompasses structural, synaptic, and intrinsic modifications within neurons. However, these mechanisms are often studied in isolation, leaving their collective impact on behavior poorly understood.  Our lab aims to bridge this gap by exploring how mice adapt to olfactory stimuli. In this project, we will manipulate the olfactory environment of mice through sensory deprivation (akin to experiencing a mild cold) or olfactory enrichment (comparable to exposure to a perfume shop). Using advanced genetic tools, we will label neurons responsive to specific odors. Our approach integrates immunohistochemistry, in vivo calcium imaging, and patch-clamp electrophysiology to examine how olfactory bulb neurons adjust their synaptic connections, morphology, and intrinsic properties in response to varying durations of sensory alteration.  To link these cellular changes to behavior, we will employ automated behavioral testing to evaluate the mice's ability to detect and differentiate odors. This will allow us to assess how adaptive plasticity influences learning and behavioral flexibility. By combining cellular and behavioral analyses, this interdisciplinary project aims to uncover the complex neural mechanisms underlying behavioral adaptability in response to changing olfactory environments.