How the stress protein PERK affects brain inflammation and thinking in people with HIV
Cell-specific roles for PERK in HIV-induced neuroinflammation
This project looks at whether the cell protein PERK drives brain inflammation and thinking problems in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251978 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on a cell protein called PERK that helps cells respond to stress and appears increased in certain brain cells of people with HIV who had thinking problems. Researchers will study donated brain tissue and other samples from people with HIV and use lab-grown brain cells to see how PERK changes inflammation, oxidative stress, iron handling, and cell survival. They will measure related signals such as eIF2α and NRF2 and test whether altering PERK activity changes those harmful processes. The overall aim is to find biological markers that signal risk for thinking problems and to identify pathways that could be targeted to protect the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, especially older adults or those with a history of low nadir CD4 counts or metabolic risk factors, would be the most relevant candidates for related enrollment or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without HIV or whose cognitive problems are caused solely by non-HIV conditions (for example primary Alzheimer's disease without HIV) are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal markers to identify people with HIV at higher risk for cognitive decline and point to new drug targets to protect brain function.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have linked PERK signaling to neuron damage in other neurodegenerative conditions, but translating PERK findings to treatments for HIV-related brain problems is still new.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jordan-Sciutto, Kelly L — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jordan-Sciutto, Kelly L
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.