The research in Dr. Barlow lab focuses in taste buds. I am particularly interested in understanding the role of BMP4 in the turnover of taste cells. A single taste bud contains 60 to 100 taste cells representing all taste sensations. Differentiated taste cells comprise 3 functional types: I, II, III cells. It is believed that the basal cells located at the bottom of taste buds and the edge cells around taste buds are progenitors for differentiated taste cells. So far, I have found that BMP4 is expressed in these progenitor cells around taste buds. Is BMP4 expressed in taste bud stem cells or transit amplifying cells? What role does BMP4 play in these cells? I am using various types of techniques including immunocytochemistry, an irradiation injury model, and an inducible Cre-lox mouse line to answer these questions.

General Interests:
I have a large spectrum of interests, especially interested in playing soccer, climbing mountains, and traveling with my family.