Investigating how tunneling nanotubes spread HIV and affect brain health
Tunneling nanotubes are a novel mechanism for the propagation of HIV infection and neurodegeneration
This study is looking at how tiny structures called tunneling nanotubes help HIV spread in the brain and may lead to memory and thinking problems for people living with HIV, so we can find better ways to understand and treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11009288 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in the spread of HIV within the central nervous system (CNS) and their contribution to cognitive decline in individuals living with HIV. By examining how these structures facilitate communication between infected and uninfected cells, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms of HIV infection and neurodegeneration. The approach involves detailed cellular analysis to understand the dynamics of TNTs and their impact on HIV propagation and brain health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for neurodegeneration.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have cognitive impairment related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent cognitive decline in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of tunneling nanotubes is relatively novel, preliminary studies suggest that similar mechanisms of viral spread have shown promise in understanding other viral infections.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valdebenito-Silva, Silvana a — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Valdebenito-Silva, Silvana a
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.