How HIV and methamphetamine may harm the brain using lab-grown human 'mini-brains'
Cerebral organoid and IPSC derived microglia: Modeling of HIV and methamphetamine co-morbidity
Researchers will use lab-grown human 'mini-brains' made from stem cells to learn how HIV and methamphetamine together damage the brain in adults living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144958 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project grows human induced pluripotent stem cells into 3-D cerebral organoids (mini-brains) that include immune brain cells called microglia. Investigators will control the microglia makeup and expose the organoids to HIV and methamphetamine to mimic what can happen in the brains of people with HIV who use meth. They will measure cellular injury, inflammation, and how antiretroviral drugs behave in this system to better explain HIV-associated neurocognitive problems. The model is aimed at recreating human-specific interactions difficult to study in animals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV, especially those who currently use or have a history of methamphetamine use, are the group this research most directly relates to and who might provide samples or take part in related future studies.
Not a fit: People without HIV, children, or individuals with no history of methamphetamine exposure are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify why people with HIV who use meth develop worse brain problems and help point to treatments that protect brain function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have used iPSC-derived organoids and microglia to model brain development and some infections, but combining HIV infection and methamphetamine exposure in this human mini-brain model is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yelamanchili, Sowmya — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yelamanchili, Sowmya
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.