Investigating how drug abuse interacts with HIV and Alzheimer's disease using specialized brain cells.
Modeling drugs of abuse-HIV-AD interactions using iPSC-derived neural cells
This study is looking at how drug use might make memory problems worse for people who have HIV and Alzheimer's, using special lab-grown brain cells to learn more about it, so we can find better ways to help those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10940557 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between drug abuse, HIV, and Alzheimer's disease by utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create neural cell models. The study aims to understand how substances like opioids and stimulants may exacerbate cognitive decline in individuals with HIV and Alzheimer's. By examining these interactions in a controlled laboratory setting, researchers hope to uncover critical insights into the mechanisms of disease progression. This could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of drug abuse who are also at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of drug abuse or are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from cognitive decline related to both drug abuse and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging evidence of interactions between drug abuse and Alzheimer's disease, this specific approach using iPSC-derived models is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanna, Pietro P — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Sanna, Pietro P
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.