How HIV and drug use harm the brain using lab-grown human brain tissue
Modeling drugs of abuse-HIV interactions using iPSC-derived human cerebral organoids
Scientists grow tiny human brain tissues in the lab to see how HIV, drugs like meth or morphine, and HIV medicines interact and affect brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145890 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers turn donated human cells into mini-brains that include neurons, microglia, and sometimes astrocytes to mimic parts of the human cortex and dopamine systems. They expose these organoids to HIV proteins (like Tat and gp120), common drugs of abuse, and combination antiretroviral therapy while measuring electrical activity and single-cell gene activity. By watching which cells and genes change or die, the team aims to find what drives brain damage or protects neurons. The work is meant to point to targets that could eventually lead to treatments to prevent or reduce brain injury in people with HIV who use drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, particularly those with a history of stimulant or opioid use or with HIV-associated cognitive problems, would be the most relevant group for future clinical follow-up or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without HIV and those not exposed to the specific drugs studied are unlikely to gain direct benefits from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological targets and pathways to prevent or reduce HIV-related brain damage, especially in people who use methamphetamine or opioids.
How similar studies have performed: iPSC-derived organoids have successfully modeled other brain diseases and helped identify disease mechanisms, though using them to model combined HIV plus drug-exposure effects is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanna, Pietro P — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Sanna, Pietro P
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.