How HIV medicines and cocaine affect brain cells involved in thinking
cART, neuroHIV, cocaine abuse and the mPFC neuron/astrocyte dysfunction
This project looks at whether long-term HIV medicines and cocaine use disrupt brain cell signaling in people living with HIV and could worsen thinking and memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160582 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you live with HIV, this work focuses on how long-term antiretroviral therapy (cART) and cocaine use may harm neurons and astrocytes in the medial prefrontal cortex, a brain region important for thinking and decision-making. The team will use laboratory models, including cultured cells and animal models, to measure calcium signaling and activity of L-type calcium channels and NMDA receptors in those brain cells. They will compare the effects of cART, HIV-related factors, and cocaine alone and together to identify how these factors cause neuron dysfunction. The aim is to reveal specific molecular steps that could be targeted to protect brain cells or guide safer treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, particularly those on long-term antiretroviral therapy and/or with a history of cocaine use, would be the main group relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those not taking antiretroviral therapy, or those with cognitive problems from unrelated causes are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent or reduce cognitive problems (HAND) in people living with HIV, especially those who use cocaine.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked HIV, antiretroviral drugs, and cocaine to brain-cell injury, but this focused look at mPFC calcium-channel and NMDA-driven mechanisms is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Xiu-Ti — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hu, Xiu-Ti
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.