The Neural Basis of Taste and Sensory Functions in the Tongue

The complex interplay of gustatory, somatosensory, and motor nerves, including connections from the trigeminal (V), facial (VII), glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X), and hypoglossal (XII) nerves, furnishes the tongue with rich and diverse sensory capabilities. Despite extensive nervous innervation and foundational studies revealing the critical role of nerve fibers in taste bud regeneration, much remains unknown about the specific molecular mechanisms driving these sensory functions. Recent scientific endeavors have started to uncover the roles of various growth factors and signaling molecules influencing taste organ homeostasis, illustrating our nascent understanding of these complex neural interactions.

This Research Topic aims to deepen our knowledge of the molecular pathways and mechanisms that underlie the sensory and motor functions of the tongue. By illuminating how neural circuits integrate chemo-, somato-, and motor sensory information, we seek to comprehend both the normal sensory processes and the pathological conditions where these processes are disrupted. Key questions of interest include the contribution of neural pathways to taste perception and sensory transmission, as well as the interplay between sensory and motor functions in the tongue.

To gather further insights into these intricate processes, we welcome submissions that explore a wide range of related themes:

Mechanisms driving lingual chemo-, somato-, and motor sensory experiences.

The role of neurodegenerative diseases in taste loss and altered oral sensations.

Neuroinflammatory responses and their impact on lingual sensory functions.

Structural insights into nerve and ganglion architecture relevant to lingual sensations. By bringing together original research, comprehensive reviews, and opinions, this topic endeavors to bridge significant gaps in our understanding and inspire novel research directions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: tongue, innervation, ganglion, taste, touch, mechanosensation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.