How individual brain cells change with HIV and opioid use
Revealing the single cell determinants of brain relevant to persistent HIV infection and opioid use disorder
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11160448
This project looks at single brain cell nuclei from people living with HIV to find how long-term HIV infection and opioid use change brain cells and relate to thinking and memory problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160448 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will map gene activity and DNA accessibility in individual cell nuclei from the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of people with HIV, including those with histories of opioid use. They will use single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and snATAC-seq to pinpoint which cell types harbor HIV and how opioids alter cell programs. Large-scale computational analyses will connect these cell-level changes to genetic differences and clinical histories. Key findings will be confirmed with follow-up laboratory validation to focus on the most relevant cell types and pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include people living with HIV, especially those with a history of opioid use or cognitive symptoms, and brain-tissue donors or volunteers willing to provide samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People without HIV or whose cognitive problems stem from unrelated causes may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify the specific brain cell types and pathways that keep HIV hidden and that are harmed by opioids, guiding targeted approaches to protect thinking and memory in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell sequencing has revealed important cell-type changes in other brain diseases, but combining single-nucleus approaches specifically for persistent HIV infection plus opioid exposure is a relatively new and innovative application.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RANA, TARIQ M — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: RANA, TARIQ M
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus