Research Interests: Neurobiology of Sensory Systems

Our research focuses on the neurobiology of sensory information processing, using two model systems: sound localization in echolocating bats, and orientation to touch in naturally blind naked mole- rats. We combine behavioral and physiological techniques to study these highly adapted systems, and to examine fundamental questions about sensory organization and behavior.

In many cases, progress in understanding sensory behavior and neural processing has been aided by the analysis of model systems. Echolocating bats are considered to be hearing specialists. They rely on hearing the echoes from their own calls to navigate though their environment, and to identify and localize the flying insects that they prey upon. In my lab, we study the behavior and neural information processing associated with sound localization.

In contrast to bats, the naked mole-rat, a totally subterranean animal, does not localize sounds well, nor is it able to use visual information. Rather, these animals place a great emphasis on touch for gathering and processing spatial information. Our focus with the naked mole-rats is on their “body whiskers,” a unique array of sensory hairs that criss-crosses their otherwise furless bodies, and functions in guiding orientation behaviors.

Representative Publications

Larson J and Park TJ (2009) Extreme hypoxia tolerance of naked mole-rat brain. Neuroreport 20(18): 1634-1637.

LaVinka PC, Brand A, Landau VJ, Wirtshafter D and Park TJ (2009) Extreme tolerance to ammonia fumes in African naked mole-rats: animals that naturally lack neuropeptides from trigeminal chemosensory nerve fibers. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 195: 419-217.

Magnusson AK, Park TJ, Pecka M, Grothe B and Koch U (2008) Retrograde GABA signaling adjusts sound localization by balancing excitation and inhibition in the brainstem. Neuron 59: 125-37.

Park TJ, Brand A, Koch U, Ikebuchi M and Grothe B (2008) Dynamic changes in level influence spatial coding in the lateral superior olive. Hear Res 238:58-67.

Park TJ, Lu Y, Jüttner R, Smith ES, Hu J, Brand A, Wetzel C, Milenkovic N, Erdmann B, Heppenstall PA, Laurito CE, Wilson SP and Lewin GR (2008) Selective inflammatory pain insensitivity in the African naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber). PloS Biol 6: 156-170.

Smith TD, Bhatnagar KP, Dennis JC, Morrison EE and Park TJ (2007) Growth-deficient vomeronasal organs in the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber). Brain Res 1132:78-83.

Park TJ, Comer C, Carol A, Lu Y, Hong HS and Rice FL (2003) Somatosensory organization and behavior in naked mole-rats: II. Peripheral structures, innervation, and selective lack of neuropeptides associated with thermoregulation and pain. J Comp Neurol 465: 104-20.