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Name of Submitter:
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Catherine Dulac
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Title of proposed idea:
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male and female biology, beyond reproduction
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What is the major obstacle/challenge in the biomedical research field? What is needed to overcome this obstacle/challenge?
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A large number of diseases have a very different prevalence in men and women, for example most mental disorders have strikingly different risk frequencies in each gender, and there are similar examples for many diseases. In addition, decades of biological investigations performed exclusively or preferentially in male experimental systems have led to biological models, as well as disease diagnostics and treatments that are better adapted to males than females (pain medication, cardiovascular risk factors for example).
From my experience, the almost uniform choice of male-only animal experimental models results from two key factors: first is the belief that nothing interesting will be gained by performing studies in both sexes, and the default is usually male. The Paul Allen Brain Atlas for example, that provided neuroscientists with an extraordinary tool by mapping gene expression of all genes in the mouse brain, but does so only for the male brain, and has deemed a similar study in the female brain unworthy, despite the fact that recent studies have shown differences in gene expression between the sexes that have important functional and behavioral implications. Second key factor is the cost, since performing studies in males and females in parallel doubles, and even triple the cost (experiments in females are often performed in low and high estrogen states). Particularly in times of budget constraints, the default choice of animal model will preferentially be male. |
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What emerging scientific opportunity is ripe for investment by the Common Fund?
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We are in the 21st century and can't continue to perform biology that is most relevant to one sex only. |
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What are the potential Common Fund investments that could accelerate scientific progress in this field?
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I think financial incentives to perform studies in males and females, as well as more general awareness are essential. |
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If a Common Fund program on this topic achieved its objectives, what would be the impact?
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Two major impacts:
- fundamental biological advances on how hormones and genomic factors contribute to significant differences in the biology, disease risk factors, and drug efficacy in both genders, well beyond the issue of reproduction.
- Medicine and treatments adapted to the specific biology and needs of each sex |
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