Investigating how changes in brain structure affect cocaine relapse in HIV-infected mice
Examination of epigenetic spatial architecture in the CNS as a method to understand cocaine relapse in ecoHIV infected mice
This study is looking at how changes in the brains of mice with ecoHIV might affect their cravings for cocaine, using new imaging technology to take thousands of pictures of their brains, which could help us understand more about drug relapse in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11031666 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between brain changes and cocaine relapse in mice infected with ecoHIV. By developing a new imaging technique, researchers will capture and analyze over 15,000 images from each animal's brain to study the spatial architecture of histone modifications. This approach utilizes advanced AI and machine learning to identify how these changes in gene expression may influence substance use disorders. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind drug cravings and relapse, particularly in the context of HIV infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of substance use disorders, particularly those who are also HIV-positive.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorders or are not infected with HIV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing relapse in individuals with substance use disorders, especially those living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding epigenetic changes can provide valuable insights into substance use disorders.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klase, Zachary Alan — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Klase, Zachary Alan
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.