HIV, cocaine, and brain fat: how tiny brain cells react and what this means for NeuroHIV
Official title: HIV and cocaine mediated lipid dysregulation in microglia: Immunometabolism mechanisms underlying NeuroHIV
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11371189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how HIV and cocaine change brain cell metabolism and fat handling, which may contribute to NeuroHIV symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $557,018 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA062549-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11371189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who may have exposure to cocaine could be relevant for future translation and trials.
✕Less likely to help
If the lipid metabolism pathway is not a major driver in NeuroHIV for a given individual, direct benefits may be limited.
What this research studies
Researchers will study microglia, the brain’s immune cells, to understand how HIV and cocaine alter lipid metabolism and fat droplets. They will examine molecular pathways, including SREBP signaling, and test whether inhibiting these pathways can reduce harmful lipid buildup. The work combines in vitro experiments with in vivo models to explore LDAM presence and function in NeuroHIV. The findings could reveal new targets to protect brain health in people living with HIV who use drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify new strategies to prevent or reduce NeuroHIV-related brain symptoms by correcting lipid metabolism in brain cells.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show HIV and cocaine can increase lipid droplets and activate lipid metabolism pathways in brain cells, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
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Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Minglei — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Guo, Minglei
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.