Brain differences between males and females is a matter of general interest from many different perspectives — and one that has been the focus of debate for centuries. Understanding the effects that sex differences can have in the brain will help us understand better how the brain works and provide a better approach to diseases that show different prevalence in males and females.
These differences are thought to be a consequence of not only the influence of sex hormones on multiple regions of the brain during development, but also the direct action of genetic factors present in sex chromosomes (nature), epigenetic modifications in the neural genome, and environmental conditions (nurture). For example, sex hormones have many effects throughout the brain that impact cognitive function, neuroprotection, addiction and blood pressure, among many other features. However, the dimorphic view of the brain —categorizing into female and male brain— is often considered an exaggeration. In general, it is commonly assumed that these differences are minor if present at all — and if they do exist, they must have little impact on the normal brain function and disease. By contrast, other scientists have affirmed that sex-based differences represent a major factor, suggesting that new and more detailed studies on these differences are needed to provide a better understanding of the brain in general and to explain the sex differences observed in the manifestation of numerous brain diseases.
The aim of this Research Topic is to foster research into the influence that sex has on the structure and function of the brain at all levels of complexity (neurons and glia, synapses, local circuits and whole brain networks).
Picture credit goes to Prof. Javier DeFelipe.
Brain differences between males and females is a matter of general interest from many different perspectives — and one that has been the focus of debate for centuries. Understanding the effects that sex differences can have in the brain will help us understand better how the brain works and provide a better approach to diseases that show different prevalence in males and females.
These differences are thought to be a consequence of not only the influence of sex hormones on multiple regions of the brain during development, but also the direct action of genetic factors present in sex chromosomes (nature), epigenetic modifications in the neural genome, and environmental conditions (nurture). For example, sex hormones have many effects throughout the brain that impact cognitive function, neuroprotection, addiction and blood pressure, among many other features. However, the dimorphic view of the brain —categorizing into female and male brain— is often considered an exaggeration. In general, it is commonly assumed that these differences are minor if present at all — and if they do exist, they must have little impact on the normal brain function and disease. By contrast, other scientists have affirmed that sex-based differences represent a major factor, suggesting that new and more detailed studies on these differences are needed to provide a better understanding of the brain in general and to explain the sex differences observed in the manifestation of numerous brain diseases.
The aim of this Research Topic is to foster research into the influence that sex has on the structure and function of the brain at all levels of complexity (neurons and glia, synapses, local circuits and whole brain networks).
Picture credit goes to Prof. Javier DeFelipe.