Blocking a protein interaction to reduce HIV-related aging and memory problems
Reduction of the Beclin1-BCL2 complex in the prevention of HIV and comorbidities associated with aging
This project tests whether boosting cells' cleanup processes can help people living with HIV avoid age-related health and thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195708 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models that mimic HIV to see if disrupting the Beclin1–Bcl-2 interaction increases autophagy (the cell's cleanup system) and lowers inflammation. They will compare young adult and older mice, with equal numbers of males and females, and include mice engineered to boost autophagy alongside control animals. Outcomes will include measures of viral activity, inflammation, and cognitive performance to see if boosted autophagy delays age-related decline. The work is preclinical and done in a laboratory at Florida International University using EcoHIV-infected and genetically modified mice.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV, especially older adults or those concerned about memory or other age-related health issues, are the population most likely to benefit from this line of research.
Not a fit: People without HIV or whose cognitive problems are due to causes unrelated to HIV-associated inflammation or aging are unlikely to benefit from these findings directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow cognitive decline and other age-related conditions in people living with HIV by improving cellular cleanup and reducing inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in cells and animal models have shown that disrupting Beclin1–Bcl-2 can boost autophagy and improve healthspan, but this approach has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Miami, United States
- Florida International University — Miami, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez, Myosotys — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez, Myosotys
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.