How THC affects tiny cellular condensates in HIV infection
Official title: Characterizing the physicochemical properties of membraneless condensates and its regulation by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in HIV/SIV infection.
Funded at New York Medical College · NIH-11139475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is studying how the drug THC might change small cellular structures and how this could impact HIV infection and related brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Valhalla, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,707 |
| NIH project number | 5R33DA053643-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV/AIDS or individuals with HIV-associated neurocognitive issues who may participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or without neuroinflammatory conditions related to HIV may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
In this project, researchers will explore membraneless condensates inside cells and how delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may regulate them in the context of HIV/SIV infection. They will use molecular and cellular approaches to understand how RNA and proteins with disordered regions influence the formation and behavior of these condensates, which are involved in gene regulation and stress responses. The work aims to connect these basic cellular findings to how HIV-related inflammation and neurological symptoms could be affected by THC exposure. The study is carried out at New York Medical College, focusing on translating lab observations into a better picture of disease biology in HIV and possibly Alzheimer-related contexts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform future therapies or dietary guidelines to manage HIV-related inflammation or cognitive symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that cellular condensates influence disease-related processes and that cannabinoids can modulate inflammation, suggesting potential relevance though the exact mechanism remains exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Medical College
Valhalla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okeoma, Chioma M — New York Medical College
- Study coordinator: Okeoma, Chioma M
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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.