How prenatal stress affects brain development and cognitive function differently in males and females
Official title: Sex differences in cognitive dysfunction: mitigation by RNA editing
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11030580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress during pregnancy affects brain development in babies, which might lead to different risks for learning and anxiety problems in boys and girls, using mouse models to explore these effects and find ways to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $711,361 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH135792-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with a history of prenatal stress exposure, particularly those showing signs of cognitive dysfunction or anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of prenatal stress exposure or who do not exhibit cognitive or anxiety-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how prenatal stress impacts brain development, leading to different risks of cognitive disorders in males and females. It focuses on the role of RNA editing in the glutamatergic system, particularly in the hippocampus and amygdala, which are crucial for cognition and stress resilience. By using specially designed mouse models, the study aims to understand the long-term effects of prenatal stress on cognitive function and anxiety-like behaviors. The findings could provide insights into sex-specific vulnerabilities and potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that mitigate cognitive dysfunction and anxiety in individuals affected by prenatal stress.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of RNA editing in cognitive function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sodhi, Monsheel S — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Sodhi, Monsheel S
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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.