How brain support cells' recycling affects opioid problems and brain health in people with HIV
Function of astrocytes autophagy in brain homeostasis and opioid-induced maladaptive behavior and addiction, in the context of HIV
Researchers are looking at how a cell-cleanup process in brain support cells (astrocytes) influences brain health and opioid-driven behavior in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304515 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on astrocytes, the brain cells that help control inflammation and the balance of the neurotransmitter glutamate, and on a cellular recycling process called autophagy. Scientists will study how changes in astrocyte autophagy alter synapses and brain circuits tied to opioid-seeking behavior, using laboratory experiments informed by previous findings on key proteins like Beclin1. The work is done in controlled lab models that relate to HIV and opioid exposure to find signaling pathways that drive harmful brain changes. Discovering these pathways could point to new ways to protect brain function and reduce addictive behaviors in people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are currently using or have a history of opioid use may be the most relevant candidates for related future clinical work.
Not a fit: People without HIV and those with no history of opioid use disorder are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new treatment targets that reduce opioid-driven brain changes and protect brain health in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies, including work from the investigators, have linked autophagy proteins like Beclin1 to inflammation and glutamate handling, but translating these findings toward treatments is still new.
Where this research is happening
Miami, United States
- Florida International University — Miami, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Hage, Nazira — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: El-Hage, Nazira
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.