Project Grant 2332375

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $444,362 Project Grant under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to the University of Vermont & State Agricultural College, to be completed by April 30, 2027. This research project aims to investigate amino acid taste coding mechanisms and modulation in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. The primary objectives are to: 1) identify physiological factors that modulate amino acid taste response, 2) uncover the repertoire of cells and receptors involved in amino acid detection, and 3) use connectomics to identify neural circuits for amino acid taste and determine if taste cell activation is modulated by protein needs. The project will combine cutting-edge neurobiology tools with behavioral assays to understand how taste circuits are modified at the cellular level to influence flexible dietary choices. Additionally, the grant will provide research opportunities for a diverse group of undergraduate students through courses and paid summer experiences, as well as science communication internships to share the project's scientific results and student narratives.