Molecular tricks of HIV and cocaine affecting brain chemicals
Official title: Molecular mechanisms: Dysregulation of monoamine transporters by HIV-1Tat and cocaine
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11367987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how HIV and cocaine together disrupt brain chemicals that control mood and impulse, with the goal of helping people living with HIV who are at higher risk for depression and impulsive behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $693,977 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA035714-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
PLWH who experience cognitive depression or high impulsivity and may be at risk for cocaine use may benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or with no cognitive/impulsive symptoms related to HIV are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
People living with HIV often face cognitive and mood challenges, and cocaine use can worsen these problems. The project studies how HIV’s Tat protein and drugs of abuse alter brain transporters for serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood and impulse control. Using mouse models and humanized systems, researchers will examine how Tat and related proteins change monoamine transporter function and serotonin release in brain regions linked to emotion and decision-making. The findings could point to new targets for therapies to reduce cognitive depression and impulsivity in PLWH. This work builds on prior results showing transporter dysregulation by Tat and its impact on brain chemistry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies or therapies to lessen cognitive depression and impulsivity in people living with HIV who struggle with cocaine use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in Tat models have shown transporter dysregulation; this project extends those findings toward potential therapeutic targets.
Where this research is happening
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Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jun — Augusta University
- 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.