Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior
About This Grant
ABSTRACT Menopause is a major neuroendocrine transition experienced by nearly two million individuals in the United States each year. It is associated with increased rates of depression, social withdrawal, and loss of sexual motivation, posing significant challenges to mental health, interpersonal relationships, and public health. While hormonal decline has been implicated, the neural circuit mechanisms underlying these behavioral symptoms remain poorly understood. This proposal seeks to define how hormonal decline during reproductive aging disrupts a specific hormone-sensitive neural circuit and impairs female sexual behavior. Our work focuses on a projection from Cckar-expressing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvlCckar) to the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), a pathway that is essential for female sexual behavior and highly sensitive to ovarian hormones. Using a physiologically relevant menopause model induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), which gradually depletes ovarian follicles without surgery, we will determine how hormonal decline alters both the structural connectivity and functional activity of this projection. Specific Aim 1 will test whether structural atrophy of the VMHvlCckar to AVPV projection occurs with hormonal decline and whether it is reversible by hormone supplementation. Specific Aim 2 will examine how hormonal decline affects activity along this circuit, revealing where circuit dysfunction arises. Specific Aim 3 will use optogenetics to test whether activating this pathway restores sexual behavior and whether AVPV activity is necessary for hormone-induced behavioral rescue. By linking hormone-sensitive circuit remodeling to behavioral impairments, this study will identify new neurobiological targets for intervention. The findings may guide the development of circuit-based therapies to support mental health and social functioning during aging.
Grant Summary
Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior is a NIA - National Institute on Aging grant providing up to $327K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2031-03-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Up to $327K
2031-03-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior from NIA - National Institute on Aging, 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 NIA - National Institute on Aging before the deadline.
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Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior?
Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior is offered by NIA - National Institute on Aging 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 Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior provide?
Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior provides up to $327K per award from NIA - National Institute on Aging. 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 Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior deadline?
Applications for Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior are due 2031-03-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIA - National Institute on Aging, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior?
To apply for Neural circuit basis of age-related changes in female social behavior, 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 NIA - National Institute on Aging.