Mary T. Lucero
- Physiology
- Director, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Professor
Research Interests
Dr. Lucero is interested in olfaction and the mechanisms whereby a chemical odorant signal is transduced into electrical messages and transmitted to the brain. Dr. Lucero is currently studying olfaction in mammalian (mouse) models. The roles of modulatory neurotransmitters, second messengers and ion channels in generating electrical odorant responses are examined using perforated, whole cell, and excised patch clamp techniques. The role of calcium in linking the electrical and biochemical responses is studied using confocal calcium imaging techniques. The olfactory system is also a good model for studying neuronal regeneration and differentiation. Recent studies in the lab are investigating the role of aquaporins and water balance in aging of olfactory sensory neurons.
Recent Publications
Mobley AS, Mahendra G, Lucero MT (2007) Evidence for multiple signaling pathways in single squid olfactory receptor neurons.Mobley AS, Mahendra G, Lucero MT. J Comp Neurol. 501(2):231-42.
Mobley AS, Lucero MT, Michel WC (2008) A Cross-Species Comparison of Metabolite Profiles in Chemosensory Epithelia: an indication of metabolite roles in chemosensory cells. The Anatomical Record. (In press).
