Understanding how male and female brains process aggression differently

Sex Differences in Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Aggression

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10932971

This study is looking at how the brain works during aggressive behavior and how this might be different for men and women, with the goal of finding better ways to understand and treat aggression.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10932971 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural mechanisms behind aggression, focusing on how these mechanisms differ between sexes. By using advanced techniques like tissue clearing and computational analysis, the study aims to identify specific brain regions activated during aggressive behavior. The researchers will analyze cFos expression across approximately 500 brain regions to understand the underlying biological networks involved in aggression. This approach could lead to a better understanding of aggression and its treatment options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who exhibit aggressive behavior or are at risk of developing aggression-related issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit aggressive behavior or have no history of aggression-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for aggression-related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neural mechanisms of behavior, but this specific focus on sex differences in aggression is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.