Understanding how sex differences affect nerve cell activity
Official title: Identifying mechanisms underlying sex differences in motoneuron discharge
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10904678 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way our nerves send signals to muscles differs between men and women, which could help us understand motor control and fatigue better, especially in relation to neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,336 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS130767-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904678 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of both sexes who are experiencing motor control issues or neuromuscular fatigue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to motor control or those who do not identify as male or female may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in motoneuron discharge patterns between males and females, focusing on how these differences may influence motor control and neuromuscular fatigue. The study aims to quantify the monoaminergic input from brainstem nuclei to motoneurons in both sexes, which has been largely overlooked in previous neurophysiological studies. By including female participants, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind the observed differences in motor physiology and how they relate to neurological diseases. The approach involves advanced methods to measure the influence of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine on motoneuron activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of neurological diseases that affect motor control differently in men and women.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on sex differences in motoneuron activity, recent studies have shown promising results in understanding these differences, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jenz, Sophia Theresa — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Jenz, Sophia Theresa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
High-intensity exercise as a treatment for Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at whether doing high-intensity endurance exercise can help people who have just been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease feel better and slow down their symptoms, especially since current medications don't always do the trick.
-
Software to quickly assess organ dose after radionuclide exposure
This study is creating a helpful software tool that quickly calculates how much radiation your organs absorb after you've taken certain radioactive substances, so you can get better care and treatment based on your individual needs.
-
Investigating innovative approaches to improve health outcomes.
This study is looking for better ways to improve your care and treatment, so you can get more personalized options that work best for you.
-
Investigating innovative approaches to improve health outcomes.
This study is looking for new ways to improve care and treatment for patients, and if you join, you might help test some exciting new methods that could lead to better health for everyone.
-
Investigating innovative approaches to improve health outcomes.
This study is looking for ways to improve care and treatment for patients like you, by trying out new methods that could help manage your health better.
-
Investigating core biological processes
This study is all about exploring important biological processes that affect our health, and it invites patients to help discover new ways to improve care for everyone.
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.