Investigating how HIV-1 affects the brain and causes cognitive issues
Official title: Single Cell Analysis of Epigenetic Mechanisms that Regulate HIV-1 CNS Latency and Neuropathogenesis
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11066478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV-1 hides in the brain and affects thinking skills in people living with the virus, using brain samples from those who have passed away while on treatment, to find clues that could help improve future care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $609,074 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134392-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are HIV-1 positive and have experienced cognitive deficits while on antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are HIV-1 negative or those who do not have cognitive issues related to HIV-1 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which HIV-1 persists in the brain and contributes to cognitive deficits in infected individuals. By analyzing human brain specimens from individuals who have died while on antiretroviral therapy, the study aims to uncover the epigenetic factors that regulate both active and latent HIV-1 infection. Using advanced single cell RNA sequencing technology, researchers will identify specific RNA molecules that may play a role in the disease process. This approach could provide insights into the neurological complications associated with HIV-1 and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies that address cognitive deficits in HIV-1 infected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV-1's impact on the brain, but this specific approach using single cell analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rice, Andrew P — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rice, Andrew P
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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.