How specific brain cells affect hot flashes, sleep, and memory after estrogen loss
The roles of NK3RMnPO and KNDy neurons in vasomotor symptoms, sleep, and cognition in E2 depleted mice.
This work looks at whether turning certain brain cells on or off can ease hot flashes, improve sleep, and protect thinking in menopause, aiming to help women going through menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167095 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model that mimics the low estrogen state of menopause to study hot flashes, sleep disruption, and changes in memory and mood. They will focus on two types of brain neurons (KNDy cells in the arcuate nucleus and NK3R-expressing cells in the median preoptic area) and measure stress-hormone receptors in these cells. Using chemogenetic tools, the team will selectively activate or inhibit these neurons to see how that changes sleep patterns, hot-flash–like events, and performance on memory and cognitive tests. Finally, they will record real-time neuron activity with in vivo calcium imaging to map when these cells are active during sleep, wake, and hot-flash episodes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women experiencing menopause-related hot flashes, sleep disturbance, or memory/mood changes would be the group most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without menopause-related estrogen loss (for example, younger individuals, men, or those whose symptoms have other causes) are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific brain circuits to target for new treatments that reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, and protect thinking in menopausal women.
How similar studies have performed: Related work has shown that blocking NK3R can reduce hot flashes in humans, but the use of targeted neuron activation/inhibition and real-time calcium imaging to map these circuits is largely preclinical and novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaiser, Ursula B. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kaiser, Ursula B.
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.