Investigating how cannabis affects genes in people living with HIV
Official title: Cell-type based epigenomic analysis to identify druggable genes for people living with HIV infection and using cannabis
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11035502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis might change the DNA of people living with HIV, especially in important immune cells, to see if it can help improve their treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,032,192 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA061926-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also use cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are not living with HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of cannabis use on the genetic makeup of individuals living with HIV. It focuses on understanding how cannabis may influence DNA methylation in specific cell types, particularly CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for immune function. By analyzing these changes, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for HIV patients. The research employs advanced techniques to dissect the epigenomic landscape and the interaction between HIV and cannabis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing HIV infection and its associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored the effects of cannabis on HIV, this research takes a novel approach by focusing on cell-type specific epigenomic analysis.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Ke — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Ke
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Cell-type epigenomic study to find drug targets for people with HIV who use cannabis
A study in people with HIV who use cannabis aims to map how cannabis changes DNA regulation in specific immune cells to find druggable genes that could help HIV treatment.
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This project looks at whether cannabis use changes DNA markers in specific immune cells of people living with HIV to find possible drug targets.
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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.