Investigating how cocaine use affects brain health in people with HIV
Official title: Single Cell Transcriptomics of the Cocaine Use Disorder in the Context of HIV
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11117172 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cocaine use affects brain health in people living with HIV, and it aims to understand the changes in the brain that can lead to thinking and memory problems, so if you're part of this group, your participation could help find better treatments for both HIV and drug use issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,690,196 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA056006-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117172 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also have a history of cocaine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or a history of cocaine use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of cocaine use on brain health in individuals living with HIV, focusing on how it disrupts the blood-brain barrier and contributes to neurocognitive disorders. By analyzing single-cell transcriptomics, the study aims to understand the molecular changes that occur in the brain due to the combined effects of HIV and cocaine. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples to help researchers identify specific cellular responses and mechanisms at play. The findings could lead to better treatment strategies for those affected by both HIV and substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for cognitive impairments in patients with HIV who use cocaine.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of HIV and cocaine use in this context is less explored, related studies have shown that understanding the molecular impacts of substance use on brain health can lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Christine — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Christine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Understanding how early life stress and cocaine exposure shape brain and behavior in adults
This project follows a long-running study in monkeys to see how early maltreatment and adolescent cocaine use influence brain circuits and risk of addiction in adulthood.
-
Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
-
Cholinergic Dysregulation and Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
A research study explores how cocaine changes brain signaling to affect flexible thinking and decision-making in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Oligonucleotide therapy to help cocaine use disorder reach the brain
A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
A new, faster brain-stimulation treatment is being tested to help adults with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and use.
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.