Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
About This Grant
Project Summary/Abstract Interorgan communication between the brain and peripheral tissues maintains a range of adaptive responses that can degrade with aging. Using mouse models, we found a powerful neural circuit that simultaneously motivates spontaneous activity and overrides spinal reflexes that control bladder and colonic function. Our preliminary findings show a strong direct neural circuit between estrogen-responsive neurons in the hypothalamus and the major micturition center in the hindbrain that controls urination, the Pontine Micturition Center (PMC) or Barrington’s nucleus (BAR). When activated, this VMHvl-BAR monosynaptic circuit blocks all voiding, even when animals have been pre-loaded with saline; when inhibited, urine release increases. Similarly, when a glass bead is inserted into the colon, excretion of this pellet takes up to fifteen times longer (20 minutes versus 5 hours) if chemogenetics is used to activate this neurocircuit. In vivo cystometry results confirm the potency of this hypothalamic-hindbrain circuit in modulating urine and fecal release. Here, we will define how neurons in BAR override normal spinal reflexes in the pelvic region. We outline three independent aims to: 1) identify the molecular nature of the inhibitory neurons in BAR responsible for this change in urinary and colon function and map projections from BAR to the spinal cord controlling the bladder or colon, 2) determine the sufficiency of VMHvl-BAR circuity components in urine release, and finally, 3) determine the initiating signals in the hypothalamus that control this voiding and defecation neurocircuit. This last aim will bring us closer to translating our preclinical research to human health. Our research program adds to emerging work on brain-body physiology to advance strategies for improving health and blends the team’s expertise in neuroendocrinology and neurocircuits. We are using state-of-the-art methods to pursue hypothesis-driven questions to decode a robust neuroendocrine circuit that controls two essential processes—urination and defecation. Both functions degrade with aging, especially in older women. Eventually, we wish to translate these preclinical studies to mitigate the loss of pelvic control in the older adult US population.
Grant Summary
Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence is a NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grant providing up to $513K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2030-02-28 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $513K
2030-02-28
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence from NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 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 NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases before the deadline.
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Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence?
Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence is offered by NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 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 Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence provide?
Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence provides up to $513K per award from NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 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 Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence deadline?
Applications for Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence are due 2030-02-28 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence?
To apply for Leveraging a Novel Neural Circuit for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence, 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 NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.