HIV-linked damage to the brain's myelin-making cells
Oligodendrocyte damage and dysfunction in HIV associated neurocognitive disorder
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11248359
Looking at whether HIV and some HIV medicines harm the brain cells that make myelin in people living with HIV who have thinking or memory problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248359 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine brain white matter from people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy and study how HIV and select HIV drugs affect the cells that make myelin (oligodendrocytes). They will combine analysis of human brain tissue and gene activity with lab experiments in cell and animal models to track stress-response pathways (like PERK/ISR), lipid metabolism changes, and myelin protein levels. The team will measure molecular and lipid changes and test how these changes link to impaired oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin loss. Findings are intended to connect molecular damage to the brain changes that underlie ongoing cognitive problems in people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy and experiencing cognitive symptoms or who are willing to donate brain tissue or other samples for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those whose cognitive problems have causes unrelated to white matter or myelin damage are unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify biological pathways and targets to protect myelin and reduce cognitive problems in people living with HIV on treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous tissue and laboratory studies have shown HIV and some antiretrovirals can activate stress pathways and alter myelin-related genes, but translating these findings into treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JORDAN-SCIUTTO, KELLY L — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: JORDAN-SCIUTTO, KELLY L
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus