Project description
Decoding the biological roots of sex bias in autism
Gender differences are common in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Higher prevalence in males than females can be observed in people with the condition. This is because social factors, along with biological differences between males and females, play a role. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SexDif project aims to determine the effect of genetic sex and gonadal hormones on brain development. Scientists have sought to examine the individual effects of sex chromosome type (XX/XY) and hormones on the brain. The project adopts a customised approach towards ASD by incorporating sex-specific considerations to pave the way for sex-sensitive therapy.
Objective
It becomes increasingly clear that male and female brains do not develop along the same path. These inherent biological distinctions can lead to sex-specific vulnerabilities and variations in how neurodevelopmental conditions manifest. A prime example is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), where a consistently higher number of males are diagnosed compared to females (approximately four males for every female), thereby emphasizing the significant impact of sex. While diagnostic practices may contribute, compelling evidence suggests that intrinsic biological factors are key drivers of these differences. Previous research, including work from the Novarino Lab using ASD mouse models, has shown that female brains exhibit more pronounced changes in gene activity compared to those of males. These results highlight the importance of sex as a factor, but the underlying causes, whether they're linked to sex chromosomes or hormonal effects, are still unclear. This project aims to dissect sex-specific effects during a critical postnatal developmental period. By building on the existing ASD mutant mouse cohort in the Novarino lab and combining it with the Four Core Genome mouse model, we'll create a one-of-a-kind transcriptomic dataset that can separate the effects of genetic sex (XX vs. XY chromosomes) from those of gonadal hormones on brain development. By achieving these goals, the project will yield the first genome-wide, cell-type-specific analysis of sex bias in ASD mutants, thereby advancing the field toward a mechanistic, sex-informed understanding of the disorder that ultimately could pave the way for sex-informed therapeutic strategies, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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3400 Klosterneuburg
Austria
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