Brain changes during the menopausal transition
Molecular and cellular characterization of the human brain across menopausal transition
This project looks at how cells and gene activity in the front part of the hippocampus change during menopause in people with ovaries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fordham University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249152 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine 42 donated human brains whose menopausal and hormonal status has been defined using a panel of biomarkers. They will focus on the anterior hippocampus, a brain region involved in emotion, and profile cell types and epigenetic (gene-regulating) changes. The team will compare brains from pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal groups and link molecular changes to hormonal status and genetic risk for depression and psychosis. This human tissue work follows earlier mouse studies showing hormone-driven chromatin and synaptic changes and aims to translate those findings to people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with ovaries across pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal stages who can provide detailed health and hormonal information or agree to brain donation for research.
Not a fit: People without ovaries or those whose health concerns are unrelated to menopause or mood disorders are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how hormonal changes during menopause raise the risk for depression and psychosis and point to new targets for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse studies showed hormone-driven chromatin and behavioral changes, but detailed cellular and epigenetic analysis in human brains is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Fordham University — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kundakovic, Marija — Fordham University
- Study coordinator: Kundakovic, Marija
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.