Project 1:
Project 1:
The Osmonauts
Kevin Franks, PhD
Department of Neurobiology, Duke University
We use the rodent olfactory system to study how the brain forms internal representations of the external world. We analyze small, functional neural circuits in the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex. We record and image odor-evoked responses in vivo, employ optogenetic circuit mapping in vitro, and use olfactory behavioral assays.
Our research is driven by the idea that the nervous systems evolved to solve specific computational problems using relatively simple, small neural circuits, and that these circuits form motifs that are combined and repeated throughout the nervous system.
To understand how these circuits are assembled, how they transform neural information, and how they ultimately guide behavior, we study the representation of odor in the rodent primary olfactory, or piriform cortex. The piriform cortex is a relatively simple, evolutionary ancient, three-layered cortex. Yet, despite its simplicity, circuitry within piriform cortex is thought to support many of the computations required for odor recognition and discrimination, including gain control, pattern separation, and pattern completion. In addition to revealing its role in odor perception, a mechanistic understanding of how this simple circuit solves these common computational problems can reveal general principles of brain function.
The Lab
Suzanne Lewis
Graduate Student
Robin Blazing
Graduate Student
Maggie Hayes
Research Assistant
Selected Publications
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Nagappan S, Franks KM (2021)
Parallel processing by distinct classes of principal neurons in the olfactory cortex, eLife.
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Ryu B, Nagappan S, Santos-Valencia F, Lee P, Rodriguez E, Lackie M, Takatoh J, Franks KM (2021)
Chronic loss of inhibition in piriform cortex following brief, daily optogenetic stimulation, Cell Reports.
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Blazing RM, Franks KM (2020)
Neuroscience: Illuminating Principles of Odor Coding, Curr Biol.
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Bolding KA, Nagappan S, Han, BX, Wang F & Franks KM (2020)
Recurrent circuitry is required to stabilize piriform cortex odor representations across brain states, eLife.
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Pashkovski SL, Iurilli G, Brann D, Chicharro D, Drummey K, Franks KM, Panzeri S, Datta SR (2020)
Structure and flexibility in cortical representations of odour space, Nature.
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Bolding KA & Franks KM. (2018) [pdf]
Recurrent cortical circuits implement concentration-invariant odor coding, Science.
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Stern M, Bolding KA, Abbott LF & Franks KM. (2018) [pdf]
A transformation from temporal to ensemble coding in a model of piriform cortex, eLife.
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Nagappan S & Franks KM. (2018) [pdf]
Learning: Plasticity without Stabilization in Olfactory Cortex, Curr. Biol.
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Bolding KA & Franks KM (2017) [pdf]
Complementary codes for odor identity and odor intensity in olfactory cortex, eLife.
Roland B, Deneux T, Franks KM, Bathellier B, Fleischmann A (2017) [pdf]
Odor identity coding by distributed ensembles of neurons in the mouse olfactory cortex, eLife.
Roland B, Jordan R, Sosulski DL, Diodato A, Fukunaga I, Wickersham I, Franks KM, Schaefer AT & Fleischmann A. (2016) eLife 10:7554/eLife.16335. [pdf]
Massive normalization of olfactory bulb output in mice with a “monoclonal nose”.
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Franks KM. (2015) Neuron. 88: 852-4. [pdf]
I Want It All and I Want It Now: How a Neural Circuit Encodes Odor with Speed and Accuracy.
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Gire DH*, Franks KM*, Zak JD, Tanaka KF, Whitesell JD, Mulligan AA, Hen R, Schoppa NE. (2012) J. Neurosci. 32: 2964-75. [pdf]
Multi-step signaling from sensory neurons onto olfactory bulb mitral cells.
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Rancz EA*, Franks KM*, Schwartz, M Schaefer AT, Seeburg P, Margrie TW. (2011) Nature Neuroscience. 14: 527-532. [pdf]
Single-cell genetic transfection via in vivo whole-cell recording: bridging physiology, genetics and connectomics.
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Franks KM, Russo MJ, Sosulski DL, Mulligan AA, Siegelbaum SA, Axel, R. (2011) . Neuron. 72: 49-56. [pdf]
Recurrent circuitry dynamically shapes the activation of piriform cortex.
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Fleischmann A, Shykind BM, Sosulski DL, Franks KM, Glinka ME, Mei DF, Sun Y, Kirkland J, Mendelsohn M, Albers MW, Axel R. (2008) Neuron. 60: 1068-81. [pdf]
Mice with a "monoclonal nose": perturbations in an olfactory map impair odor discrimination.
Franks KM, Isaacson JS. (2006) Neuron. 49: 357-363. [pdf]
Strong single-fiber sensory inputs to olfactory cortex: implications for olfactory coding.
Franks KM, Isaacson JS. (2005) Neuron. 47: 101-114. [pdf]
Synapse specific downregulation of NMDA receptors by early experience: a critical period for plasticity of sensory input to olfactory cortex.
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* denotes equal authorship