MicroKiss

The developmental mechanisms involved in sexual differentiation have not been yet elucidated. Kisspeptin (Kiss) has emerged as pivotal in the sexual differentiation of brain circuitry. Sex-differentiated microglia reorganizes neuronal circuits in a sex-specific manner. However, the Kiss-microglia interaction remains poorly understood. Our project proposes to clarify the impact of Kiss on microglial sex-specific phenotype and subsequent alterations in behaviour. Microglial phenotypic Kiss-induced changes will be investigated in cell culture. Then, in vivo, the Kiss1 receptor in microglia will be silenced using an adeno-associated viral vector. This selective virus will be intracerebroventricularly injected in rat pups on postnatal day 0. Microglia phenotype will be assessed throughout the life span. The long-term changes resulting from the Kiss blockade will also be investigated. This project will open the door to a new universe of research in the field of brain sexual development, contributing to insights into sexual dimorphism in both health and disease. 

neurodevelopment | sexual differentiation | kisspeptin | microglia

2024-2028