# Exploring biomarkers of sex-based disparities in relapsing multiple sclerosis

> **NIH NIH F31** · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $38,240

## Abstract

Project Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects approximately one million people in the United States and is the leading cause
of disability in young adults,1 but little is known about its etiology and underlying pathology.2,3 MS is
approximately three times more common in females than males, and evidence suggests that this ratio is
increasing worldwide.1-3 Although males are less susceptible, they tend to have more severe forms of the
disease, and are more likely to accumulate significant disability as a result.1-3 Evidence suggests that the
environment and sex hormones can cause molecular changes that alter the expression of MS-associated
genes, which may explain these sex-based disease desparities.1,2,6-12 We hypothesize that gene expression
alterations contribute to the sex differences in MS. Therefore, the goal of this application is to compare the
transcriptome and miRNA profiles of males and females with relapsing MS using the following two specific
aims. Aim 1: Identify and compare the actively expressed mRNAs in the transcriptome of males and
females with relapsing-remitting MS and healthy controls. For this aim we will conduct a non-experimental,
discovery-based omics study that will isolate and analyze the transcriptomes from blood samples collected
from MS patients using RNA-seq. Aim 2: Analyze the miRNA profiles of males and females with relapsing
MS and healthy controls. We will analyze microRNA (miRNA) profiles using NanoString and correlate them
with mRNA levels to better understand the role of miRNAs in MS etiopathogenesis. Aim 2b: Explore
associations between clinical features and RNA-seq and miRNA data. We will explore the relationship
between significantly differentially expressed miRNA and mRNA profiles and clinical features (MRI activity,
CSF biomarkers, and disability).This is the first study to narrow the phenotype of MS by using homogeneous
human samples to measure and compare sex-based differences in MS. Results of this study are expected to
shed light on MS phenotypes, and to inform future study design in larger cohorts with the potential for
ultimately improving the quality of care in this population.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10462322
- **Project number:** 1F31NR020146-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephanie Kate Buxhoeveden
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $38,240
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-31 → 2024-05-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10462322

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10462322, Exploring biomarkers of sex-based disparities in relapsing multiple sclerosis (1F31NR020146-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10462322. Licensed CC0.

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