Stony Brook University · NeuroscienceTaste and Hunger Dynamics Lab
Alfredo Fontanini · Stony Brook, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Alfredo Fontanini's lab focuses on understanding how the brain processes taste and hunger signals to influence feeding behavior. His research investigates how circuits in the gustatory cortex, particularly neurons that release gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), integrate sensory information with internal body states like hunger. By studying these neural dynamics, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind decision-making in taste and eating behaviors.
gustatory cortexdiscrimination learningneural dynamicsgastrin-releasing peptidehunger signalseating behaviorneural circuitselectrophysiologymachine learningbehavioral neuroscience
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how discrimination learning shapes sensory and decision-making processes in the gustatory cortex.
AIM 02Examine the role of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) neurons in processing hunger and satiety signals.
AIM 03Utilize machine learning to model neural activity during decision-making tasks related to taste.
AIM 04Determine the connectivity and functional role of GRP-expressing neurons in the gustatory cortex.
AIM 05Test the behavioral effects of optogenetic activation of GRP neurons on feeding behavior.
Skills the Lab Values
electrophysiology2-photon imagingoptogeneticspatch clampbehavioral trainingdata analysismachine learning modelingneuroscience techniquesanatomical methodscalcium imaging
Output against the department
Publications83bottom 24% of dept.507th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.9kbottom 30% of dept.473rd of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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