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. Working in collaboration with Dr. Chris Comer’s lab, 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

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

2008 Park TJ, Brand A, Koch U, Ikebuchi M, Grothe B. Dynamic changes in level influence spatial coding in the lateral superior olive. Hear Res. 238(1-2):58-67.

2008 Park TJ, Ying Lu Y, Jüttner R, Smith ESt.J, Hu J, Brand A, Wetzel C, Milenkovic N, Erdmann B, Heppenstall PA, Laurito CE, Wilson SP, and Lewin GR Selective Inflammatory Pain Insensitivity in the African Naked Mole-Rat (Heterocephalus glaber) PLoS Biol . 6(1); 156-170.

2007 Smith TD, Bhatnagar KP, Dennis JC, Morrison EE, Park TJ. Growth-deficient vomeronasal organs in the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber). Brain Research, 1132(1):78-83.

2003 S. Crish, F.L. Rice, T. Park, and C.M. Comer. Somatosensory organization and behavior in Naked Mole-Rats I: Vibrissa-like body hairs comprise a sensory array that mediates orientation to tactile stimuli, Brain, Behavior, and Evolution, 62, 141-161.

2003 Park T., C.M. Comer, A. Carol , Y. Lu, H.-S. Hong, and F.L.Rice. Somatosensory organization and behavior in Naked Mole-Rats II: Peripheral Structures, Innervation, and Selective Lack of Neuropeptides Associated with Thermoregulation and Pain, Journal of Comparative Neurology, 465, 104-120.