How an HIV protein and methamphetamine affect brain dopamine in people with HIV
Official title: Effects of HIV-1 Tat protein and methamphetamine on VMAT2-mediated dopamine transmission in the context of neuroHIV and drug abuse
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11394003 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how the HIV protein Tat together with methamphetamine change dopamine transport in the brain of people with HIV who have cognitive and behavioral problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $662,881 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DA057866-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394003 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who experience cognitive or behavioral symptoms, especially those with current or past methamphetamine use, would be most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV, or whose cognitive issues arise from unrelated causes, and individuals not exposed to methamphetamine are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific project.
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will model the effects of the HIV protein Tat and methamphetamine on the brain’s dopamine handling to better understand HIV-associated cognitive problems. They will use laboratory cell systems and animal models to measure how Tat and meth alter the function of dopamine transporters, especially VMAT2 and DAT, and how those changes relate to dopamine levels and behavior. Experiments will compare conditions with and without Tat and meth to see whether combined exposure causes bigger disruptions. The goal is to connect molecular changes to the kinds of thinking, memory, and behavioral symptoms people with HIV experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological targets behind HIV-associated cognitive problems and point toward new ways to prevent or treat those symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that HIV Tat and methamphetamine can disrupt dopamine transport and link to cognitive issues, but the combined effects on VMAT2 function are less well studied.
Where this research is happening
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Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jun — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jun
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.