Blocking a brain enzyme to help sleep for people with HIV
The role of microglial glutaminase in HIV-induced sleep deficits
A brain-penetrant drug that blocks the enzyme glutaminase is being used in models to try to improve sleep problems in people living with HIV whose virus is controlled.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330685 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone affected by HIV, this work looks at immune cells in the brain (microglia) that may cause inflammation and disrupt sleep. Researchers use mouse models of HIV to see how microglial glutaminase contributes to poor sleep. They give a brain-penetrant glutaminase inhibitor (JHU-083) or use molecular tools to lower glutaminase, then measure sleep patterns and signs of brain inflammation. The team also links these findings to prior data showing glutaminase inhibition can improve thinking and inflammation in related models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy with controlled viral loads and who report chronic insomnia or poor sleep are the most relevant population.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those whose sleep problems are caused primarily by unrelated issues (e.g., sleep apnea, medication side effects, or psychiatric conditions) may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this line of work could point toward new therapies that reduce brain inflammation and improve sleep quality for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies using the same GLS1 inhibitor have improved cognitive problems and reduced neuroinflammation in animal models, but applying this approach specifically to HIV-related sleep deficits is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Xiaolei — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Xiaolei
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 below.