Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY The overarching scientific goal of this mentored career development award is to elucidate sex differences in striatal cholinergic (CINs) and parvalbumin-expressing fast spiking interneurons (FSIs). Interneuron disruption is implicated in many neuropsychiatric disorders, including several, such as Tourette Syndrome (TS) and autism, that show marked male-female differences in prevalence. Postmortem studies reveal deficits in both CINs and FSIs in TS. Recapitulating this abnormality in mice produces abnormal stereotyped grooming and social deficits, but only in males. A better understanding of how interneurons differ between sexes may provide insight into the causes of these disparities in prevalence and presentation. We have recently published a careful anatomical analysis documenting differences in interneuron number and distribution between male and female mice. Here, Dr. Meghan Van Zandt will characterize structural, functional, and molecular differences in striatal interneurons in males and female mice. Aim 1 will determine whether gonadal or genetic mechanisms underlie sexual dimorphism in striatal CIN and PV density and distribution that we have recently documented, using the four-core genotype mice; we hypothesize that hormonal/anatomical sex will determine interneuron properties. Aim 2 will examine anatomical and molecular properties of interneurons in males and females, using 3D reconstruction to compare morphology (2A), anterograde and retrograde synaptic tracing techniques to analyze interneuron networks (2B), and single-nucleus RNA seq to examine gene expression specific to both CINs and FSIs (2C); we hypothesize that interneurons in the dorsal striatum will exhibit stronger synaptic connectivity in females, compensating for their lower number. Aim 3 will analyze the population activity of striatal interneurons during spontaneous behaviors using fiber photometry in males and females, including analysis of females in different estrus phases. Dr. Van Zandt intends to pursue a career investigating sexual dimorphism in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disease. This career development award will provide her with advanced training critical to her career goals, with mentorship and didactics in anatomical techniques, transcriptomic analysis, and fiber photometry. In addition, her senior mentorship team will support her development as an independent scientist, through ongoing training in writing, presentation, teaching, ethics, professionalism, and networking – and, in the later years of the award, through active support of her search for an independent research and teaching position. Together, this experimental and training plan will provide a strong foundation to prepare her for a career as an independent researcher and a mentor to young scientists in her own right.
Grant Summary
Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum is a NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health grant providing up to $716K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2030-07-14 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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How to Apply
Up to $716K
2030-07-14
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health before the deadline.
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Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum?
Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum is offered by NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum provide?
Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum provides up to $716K per award from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum deadline?
Applications for Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum are due 2030-07-14 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum?
To apply for Sex Differences in Regulatory Interneurons of the Striatum, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health.