Investigating how sex differences affect brain cell interactions during adolescence
Official title: Sex differences in microglia-neuron-circuit interactions in adolescence
Funded at Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res · NIH-11209904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain immune cells called microglia interact with nerve cells during adolescence, a key time for brain growth, to see how these interactions affect thinking and behavior, especially since boys and girls may experience this differently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orangeburg, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $350,836 |
| NIH project number | 7R01MH128176-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11209904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20, particularly those with a family history of psychiatric disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those with established psychiatric conditions may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interactions between microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, and neurons during adolescence, a critical period for brain development. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to understand how these interactions influence brain circuitry and cognitive functions, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. The research focuses on how these dynamics differ between sexes, which is important given the varying susceptibility to psychiatric disorders during this developmental stage. By studying awake mice, the researchers will observe real-time changes in brain cell behavior and connectivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the biological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders that emerge during adolescence, potentially informing prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding microglial function and its implications for brain health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
Orangeburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamm, Jordan P — Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
- Study coordinator: Hamm, Jordan P
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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.