How HIV and cocaine harm brain support cells and fat balance
Official title: HIV and Cocaine Use Leads to Loss of Astrocyte Neurotrophic Support and Impaired Lipid Homeostasis in the Brain
Funded at Rowan University School/osteopathic Med · NIH-10922716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether HIV and cocaine change how brain support cells handle fats, which could affect brain health in people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University School/osteopathic Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stratford, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $627,502 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS124478-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for related human work would be adults living with HIV, particularly those with current or past cocaine use or with symptoms of cognitive problems.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or whose cognitive issues come from unrelated causes would be unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
If you live with HIV, this project examines how HIV and cocaine exposure change the way astrocytes (brain support cells) take up and store damaged fatty acids released by stressed neurons. The team studies cellular pathways that move peroxidated fats into astrocyte lipid droplets and how those fats are used or cleared, using lab models of neurons and astrocytes. They will also look at molecular signals such as reactive oxygen species and proteins that help package fats, and how these processes break down with HIV and cocaine. Findings could point to targets for protecting brain cells and preserving thinking and memory in affected people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal ways to protect brain support cells and reduce cognitive damage for people with HIV, especially those who use cocaine.
How similar studies have gone: Previous lab studies have shown astrocytes can protect neurons by storing toxic fats, but applying this idea to the combined effects of HIV and cocaine is largely new.
Where this research is happening
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Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
Stratford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langford, Dianne Teresa — Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
- Study coordinator: Langford, Dianne Teresa
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.