Investigating how HIV and cocaine affect brain cells at a single-cell level
Official title: Single cell transcriptomic and epigenomic changes during chronic HIV infection and cocaine self-administration
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-11082207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and cocaine addiction affect brain cells in mice, hoping to find new ways to help people with both conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,657,715 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA056003-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082207 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 or addiction.
✕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 interactions between HIV infection and cocaine addiction by examining changes in brain cells using advanced techniques. Researchers will analyze the genetic and epigenetic profiles of individual brain cells in mice that are infected with HIV and exhibit compulsive cocaine use. By employing cutting-edge single-nuclei RNA sequencing and epigenetic analysis, the study aims to identify specific cell types and brain regions where HIV and cocaine influence each other, potentially leading to better understanding and treatment of addiction in HIV-infected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with HIV who are also struggling with cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of combining HIV and cocaine addiction research at the single-cell level is novel, related studies have shown success in understanding the impacts of addiction on brain function.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeng, Hongkui — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Zeng, Hongkui
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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.