How a brain estrogen (17α‑estradiol) affects HIV-related thinking problems, especially with meth use
17α-estradiol and sex-differences in HAND with methamphetamine
The team will see if a brain form of estrogen called 17α‑estradiol changes neuron damage linked to thinking and memory problems in adults living with HIV, particularly when methamphetamine is involved and across sexes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142626 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that scientists are looking at how a brain form of estrogen interacts with HIV proteins, HIV drugs, and methamphetamine to cause or prevent damage to nerve cell connections that underlie thinking and memory. They study tiny cell compartments called endolysosomes to understand how these combined exposures harm or protect neurons. The researchers compare effects between females and males to explain why women with HIV often have worse cognitive symptoms. Work uses lab-based models and may include analysis of human-derived samples when available to link lab findings to people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults living with HIV, especially those with a history of methamphetamine use or who are willing to provide clinical information or biospecimens for research, with inclusion of both women and men.
Not a fit: People without HIV or without relevance to methamphetamine exposure are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect brain cells and guide treatments or prevention strategies to reduce HIV-associated thinking problems, especially for people who use methamphetamine.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies suggest estrogens can protect neurons, but focusing on 17α‑estradiol, endolysosome mechanisms, and sex differences in the context of HIV plus methamphetamine is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Grand Forks, United States
- University of North Dakota — Grand Forks, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xuesong — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xuesong
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.