Investigating how a brain enzyme affects sleep problems in people with HIV
Official title: The role of microglial glutaminase in HIV-induced sleep deficits
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11178091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain enzyme called glutaminase might be affecting sleep problems in people with HIV, and it will test if blocking this enzyme can help improve sleep and thinking skills in animals that have similar issues, which could lead to better treatments for sleep troubles in those living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $667,865 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL180044-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11178091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who experience sleep disturbances or insomnia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or those without sleep issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the connection between a specific brain enzyme, glutaminase, and sleep disturbances in individuals living with HIV. It aims to explore how inflammation in the brain, caused by HIV, may disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to insomnia. By using a specialized inhibitor to block the action of glutaminase, the study will assess whether this can improve sleep quality and cognitive function in animal models that mimic HIV-related conditions. The findings could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders in people with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sleep quality and cognitive function for individuals living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using similar approaches to address neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits in HIV models.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Xiaolei — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Xiaolei
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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.