HIV, Cocaine Use, and Brain Lipid Balance in Astrocytes
Official title: HIV and Cocaine Use Leads to Loss of Astrocyte Neurotrophic Support and Impaired Lipid Homeostasis in the Brain
Funded at Rowan University School/osteopathic Med · NIH-11402591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how HIV and cocaine use disrupt how brain support cells called astrocytes handle lipids, which could affect brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University School/osteopathic Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stratford, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $631,331 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124478-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals living with HIV who have used cocaine and may have brain-related health concerns.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or those not exposed to cocaine may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
If you have HIV and struggle with cocaine use, this research aims to understand how brain cells manage fats during stress and how HIV and drugs change this balance. Scientists study how neurons release lipid-like particles that are usually handled by astrocytes, and how HIV+cocaine may disrupt this teamwork. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better strategies to protect brain function in affected individuals. The study will involve examining cellular interactions and lipid processing in brain cells to see how disease and substance use alter energy management and lipid health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could guide new approaches to protect brain health in people living with HIV who use cocaine.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown lipid handling between neurons and astrocytes is important for brain health, with ongoing research expanding understanding in disease contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
Stratford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langford, Dianne Teresa — Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
- Study coordinator: Langford, Dianne Teresa
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.