The perception of odor blends and mixtures: Modulation, Inhibition and Enhancement of Olfactory Receptors alters perception of complex blends

Project Narrative The olfactory system utilizes a family of receptors to recognize odors that are closely related to the receptors used for neurotransmission and hormonal regulation in the brain and other bodily systems. Understanding how the olfactory receptors detect and discriminate between a vast number of small organic molecules, many of which are similar to drugs in their chemical structure and physical characteristics, will allow us to adopt better strategies for drug development, including better control of side effects, greater efficacy and less tolerance development.