Investigating how HIV and cocaine affect brain function in primates
Official title: Single cell determinants of brain in the context of viral persistence in SIV/cART/cocaine non-human primates
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11045041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and cocaine use affect brain function by examining brain cells from monkeys, which can help us understand the brain problems that people with HIV who use drugs might face.
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 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,467,417 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA058402-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045041 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 abuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or a history of cocaine use may not benefit from the findings of this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between HIV infection and cocaine use on brain function by using nonhuman primate models. Researchers will analyze brain cells from rhesus monkeys infected with Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and those that are uninfected, focusing on specific brain regions like the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. Advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing will allow for detailed examination of how different cell types respond to HIV and cocaine, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of brain dysfunction. The goal is to better understand how these factors contribute to neurological issues in individuals living with HIV who also abuse drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for brain dysfunction in individuals with HIV who use cocaine.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study the interactions between drug abuse and viral infections, although this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rana, Tariq M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Rana, Tariq M
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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.