14.08.2025

DFG: Priority Programme “SEXandGLIA: Sex-dependent mechanisms of neuroglial cell functions in brain health

Deadline: 08.09.2025 (Registration for online symposium); 03.12.2025 (Proposals)

The scientific and societal significance of biological sex differences has been largely overlooked in recent decades. Females have historically been underrepresented in preclinical research, clinical drug trials and drug development. A key reason to intensify research into sex-specific biology is the uneven prevalence, onset and progression of many diseases, including neurological disorders. For example, some conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and Parkinson’s disease are more common in males, while others like major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis are more prevalent in females.

Sex differences in the human brain represent a complex and crucial research area with profound implications for both health and disease. Brain masculinisation is initiated by a surge in male gonadal hormones during the neonatal period, which shapes long-term brain structure by organising neural circuits that later support sexual functions after puberty.

These sex-specific differences probably arise from a complex interplay of (epi)genetic and hormonal regulation in both neurons and glial cells. While research has traditionally focused on neurons, the sexual dimorphism of glial cells remains relatively underexplored, despite their essential roles for the survival and functionality of neurons, as well as the homeostasis of their activity.

To gain a deeper understanding of sex-specific brain differences in health and disease, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the development and function of glial cells in both female and male brains. Although more research projects now include both sexes, a systematic approach to studying sex differences in neuroscience is still lacking.

The SPP 2561 SEXandGLIA programme aims to address this gap with two main objectives:

• Understanding Sex-Driven Mechanisms in Glial Biology: to uncover fundamental mechanisms at the intersection of genetics and hormonal influences, with a focus on physiological, transcriptional and epigenetic regulation
• Deciphering Functional Consequences of Sex-Specific Glial Biology: to determine how genetic and hormonal differences between males and females affect glial cell function – ideally at the single-cell or cell-type level – and to link molecular changes to cellular phenotypes, thereby identifying transcriptional and epigenetic alterations that contribute to disease

Hence, the SPP 2561 aims at combining expertise on glial biology, functional genomics and computational biology to foster projects that allow major advances in understanding sex-specific roles of glial cells and their cross-talk with neurons, and ultimately the emergence of diseases. Projects aiming to explore sex differences in glial cells must imperatively include:

• a focus on the analysis of sex-dependent functions in macroglial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, OPCs) in the brain, excluding microglial cells and neurons, unless they are functionally centred on macroglial cells
• analyses on the interplay of sex chromosomes and hormonal influences in glial cells
• approaches using rodent models (in vivo) and/or human systems where tissue integrity is preserved

Additionally, proposed projects proposals must emphasise:

• their collaborative character and potential as an added value of participating in a structured research programme; and
• their strategy to standardise and share datasets in the SPP 2561 consortium.

Interested applicants are invited to participate and discuss their project ideas at the online SEXandGLIA symposium on 15 September 2025. Please register by 8 September 2025 by sending an e-mail with a title and abstract of your 10-minute presentation to: spp2561spam prevention@uni-saarland.de. 

The DFG strongly welcomes proposals from researchers of all genders and sexual identities, from different ethnic, cultural, religious, ideological or social backgrounds, from different career stages, types of universities and research institutions, and with disabilities or chronic illness. With regard to the subject-specific focus of this call, the DFG encourages female researchers in particular to submit proposals.

Proposals must be submitted to the DFG by 3 December 2025.

Further information:
https://www.dfg.de/de/aktuelles/neuigkeiten-themen/info-wissenschaft/2025/ifw-25-59