How orexins affect cognitive flexibility differences between sexes after stress
Official title: Investigating the mechanism by which orexins contribute to sex differences in cognitive flexibility after stress
Funded at Bryn Mawr College · NIH-10954498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals called orexins might affect how men and women think and adapt after stress, especially since women are more likely to experience stress-related issues like PTSD and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bryn Mawr College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bryn Mawr, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $344,589 |
| NIH project number | 1R15MH137506-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly women, who experience stress-related psychiatric disorders such as PTSD or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have stress-related psychiatric disorders or those outside the age range of 21+ years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of orexins, neuropeptides that influence arousal and stress responses, in contributing to cognitive flexibility differences between men and women after experiencing stress. It aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind why stress-related disorders, such as PTSD and depression, are more prevalent in women. By studying animal models, specifically female and male rats, the research will explore how orexins affect brain areas involved in cognitive function, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex. The study will also examine the influence of estrogen on orexin levels and their subsequent impact on cognitive flexibility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for stress-related psychiatric disorders, particularly in women.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have indicated that understanding neuropeptide roles in cognitive function can lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grafe, Laura — Bryn Mawr College
- Study coordinator: Grafe, Laura
Related research
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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.