17α-Estradiol, sex differences, and brain aging in HIV and meth use
Official title: 17α-estradiol and sex-differences in HAND with methamphetamine
Funded at University of North Dakota · NIH-11389506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how sex differences and 17α-estradiol may influence brain health in people with HIV who use methamphetamine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $482,753 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059280-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who may be at risk for HAND and have a history of methamphetamine use.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or methamphetamine exposure, or those not experiencing HAND-related cognitive issues, may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV, antiretroviral therapy, methamphetamine, and sex-related factors come together to affect brain cells and memory. Researchers will focus on endolysosomes and how they handle brain cell signals when exposed to HIV proteins, ART drugs, and meth, with attention to differences between men and women. The study aims to identify mechanisms behind HAND and how 17α-estradiol might modulate these effects. Results could point to new ideas for protecting brain function in people living with HIV who use stimulants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to targeted strategies to preserve or improve cognitive function in people with HIV who use methamphetamine, potentially informing personalized therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown sex differences and brain changes in HAND and meth use, suggesting potential relevance of this approach but results are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xuesong — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xuesong
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.