How HIV and morphine change opioid receptors in the brain
Modulation of OPRM1 alternative splicing by morphine and HIV-1 Nef
This project explores how HIV and morphine together affect the brain's opioid receptors, which could help us understand why people with HIV might experience stronger opioid dependence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126881 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Opioid receptors are important for how our bodies respond to pain and opioids like morphine. These receptors can come in different versions, or "isoforms," due to a process called alternative splicing. This project looks at how HIV and morphine might change which versions of the opioid receptor are made in the brain. Researchers are particularly interested in how these changes might lead to increased opioid dependence for people living with HIV. By understanding these molecular interactions, we hope to find new ways to help manage opioid dependence in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who might benefit from future treatments developed from this work include those living with HIV who struggle with opioid dependence.
Not a fit: Patients not living with HIV or those who do not experience opioid dependence may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat opioid dependence in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While the general understanding of opioid receptors and HIV's impact on the body is established, this specific investigation into the synergistic effects of HIV and morphine on OPRM1 alternative splicing is a focused and relatively new area of inquiry.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sariyer, Ilker Kudret — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Sariyer, Ilker Kudret
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.