We are interested in the molecular
mechanisms of olfactory transduction. We study the interaction of odorant molecules
with receptors, modulation by second messenger, regulation of ion channels, pumps
and ion exchanger, and the mechanisms of adaptation to odorant stimuli. The techniques
used include: patch-clamp recording of isolated olfactory sensory neurons, flash
photolysis of caged compounds, calcium imaging. We are also interested in understanding
the interaction between odorant molecules and receptors by using techniques of
computational biophysics in collaboration with the SISSA's group on Theoretical
Biophysics and Structural Biology .