Investigating how HIV-1 Tat protein and methamphetamine affect dopamine transmission in the brain.
Official title: Effects of HIV-1 Tat protein and methamphetamine on VMAT2-mediated dopamine transmission in the context of neuroHIV and drug abuse
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11014378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HIV-1 Tat protein and methamphetamine affect brain chemicals in people living with HIV, to help us understand and improve treatment for cognitive and behavioral challenges they may face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $642,302 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057866-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who are experiencing cognitive and behavioral deficits, especially those with a history of methamphetamine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or who do not have cognitive or behavioral issues related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of the HIV-1 Tat protein and methamphetamine on dopamine transmission, particularly in individuals living with HIV. It aims to understand how these factors contribute to cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with HIV, known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The study will examine the mechanisms by which the Tat protein affects dopamine transporters in the brain, potentially leading to better treatment strategies for those affected by both HIV and substance abuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive and behavioral issues in HIV-positive individuals, particularly those who also struggle with substance abuse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between HIV proteins and neurotransmitter systems can lead to significant advancements in treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jun — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jun
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.