Presenter(s): Isabelle Cullen—Biology
Faculty Mentor(s): Matt Smear, David McCormick
Session 2: Cells R Us
Active sensing in olfaction is the modulation in sampling behavior (inhalation patterns, or sniffing)
to modulate sensory input . Previous studies in humans and mice observed pleasant odors are sampled at a higher inhalation magnitude, while aversive odors are sampled at lower magnitudes when compared to the clean air control . However, this sniffing modulation is not present in those with autism . Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social behaviors, communication skills, narrowed interests, and repetitive behaviors . Rozenkrantz et al . (2015) showed that children with ASD did not modulate sniffing behavior to aversive or attractive odors despite correctly identifying odors as pleasant or unpleasant, suggesting an innate altered motor response rather than perceptual differences . While studying the basis of this behavior in humans is limited, we can access the neural mechanism that underlies this behavior through transgenic mouse lines . With the support of the Smear lab, we will repeat Rozenkratz’s (2015) paradigm using Fragile X-Knockout mice to investigate the neurological mechanisms driving this phenomenon along with orofacial movements during olfaction . Due to COVID-19, data collection is limited, however, we have developed a small raspberry pi based system combined with a camera to track orofacial movements through the experiment . We then use Deep Lab Cut, an AI network, to extract facial patterns and movements of the nose during olfaction . This work will establish a behavioral paradigm for studying autism-related symptoms in mice, and will thus lay the groundwork for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying this disorder, which may serve as a potential biomarker to aid in earlier detection .