How HIV proteins change the effects of methamphetamine and amphetamine
The Role of HIV Proteins in Psychostimulant Abuse
This project looks at how HIV-related proteins change the brain's response to amphetamines and may make stimulant use worse for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325376 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory and animal experiments to study HIV proteins such as Tat and gp120 and how they alter brain dopamine signaling tied to stimulant effects. They will measure changes in drug-related behaviors like escalation and bingeing as well as underlying molecular and synaptic changes. The work is primarily carried out in rodent models and molecular assays rather than as a clinical trial. Findings are meant to point toward biological mechanisms that could guide future treatments or prevention strategies for people with HIV who use stimulants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who currently use or have a history of amphetamine or methamphetamine use are the population most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those not using stimulants are unlikely to see direct benefits from this lab-focused research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify biological targets to reduce stimulant-related harm and protect the brains of people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show HIV proteins and stimulants interact to worsen dopamine function and drug-taking, but detailed molecular mechanisms remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galli, Aurelio — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Galli, Aurelio
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.