How genes and blood metabolites affect HIV drug levels
Quantifying genomic and pharmacometabolomic differences in antiretroviral exposure in MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study
This project uses blood samples and genetic data to connect people's genes and small molecules in the blood with levels of HIV medicines (dolutegravir and tenofovir) to better understand side effects and responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of research using time-series blood samples from the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study to measure levels of dolutegravir (DTG) and tenofovir (from TAF) alongside the plasma metabolome and genetic markers. The team will compare how metabolite patterns and genetic differences link to drug concentrations in blood and cells and to metabolic side effects like weight gain and insulin resistance. This work focuses on diverse men and women, including groups often understudied, using intensive pharmacokinetic sampling already collected in the cohort. The goal is to find biomarkers that predict who has higher drug exposure or is at risk for metabolic adverse effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people living with HIV who are taking dolutegravir or tenofovir (TAF) and who participate in or can provide samples to the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study.
Not a fit: People who are not on these specific HIV medications or who cannot provide blood samples will be unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help personalize HIV treatment by identifying who is likely to have higher drug exposure or metabolic side effects so doctors can tailor therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related pharmacometabolomic studies have predicted responses to drugs like sertraline, escitalopram, and aspirin, but applying these methods to HIV antiretrovirals is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamraz, Bani — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Tamraz, Bani
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.