Ca²⁺ signals in pheromone detecting sensory cells

We plan to use genetically-altered mouse models to decipher the mechanisms underlying receptor-operated Ca²⁺ signals in pheromone-sensing neurons.

To reach these goals, we will analyze the phenotype of several new knockout lines and employ several gene-targeted mouse lines, in which vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) expressing a defined receptor can be visually identified. Furthermore, we will establish a novel system for heterologous expression of vomeronasal receptors and analyze Ca²⁺ signaling mechanisms in V2r1b-tauGFP-trpc2-/- VSNs.