Proteins in brain-supporting cell vesicles linked to HIV-related cognitive issues

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project looks at extracellular vesicles released by astrocytes and analyzes their protein content in people with HIV who experience cognitive problems. By using quantitative proteomics on plasma- and CSF-derived vesicles, researchers aim to identify protein patterns that reflect brain changes and may become biomarkers. The work focuses on how these vesicles relate to oxidative stress, cytoskeletal dynamics, and vesicle trafficking, with attention to sex differences observed in previous findings. The goal is to validate brain-relevant protein changes in CSF to better understand HIV-CI and guide future therapies.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
  San Juan, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Wojna, Valerie — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
• Study coordinator: Wojna, Valerie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Improving Neurological Health with Brain Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment (INHANCE-MCI)

  A computer-based brain training program is being tested to help people with mild cognitive impairment maintain thinking skills and daily functioning.

  NIH research Posit Science Corporation · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11626504

• Global picture of dementia risk and memory loss across the world

  A large international effort gathers data from many studies to understand how dementia and memory problems develop around the world, using shared information to reveal patterns and risk factors.

  NIH research University of New South Wales · Sydney, Australia · NIH-11603263

• Blood stem cell changes linked to mild memory problems and worsening kidney function

  This project will see if age-related changes in blood stem cells (clonal hematopoiesis) are tied to mild thinking problems and faster kidney decline in adults.

  NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11494175

• GPR39-based treatment approach for aging-related brain vascular dementia

  A new drug-style compound that activates GPR39 in the brain is being studied to help people with vascular dementia linked to aging.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11463452

• Imaging tiny brain vessels to understand vascular dementia

  A doctor-scientist is testing a high-resolution brain MRI method to see tiny blood vessels and blood flow in people with vascular cognitive impairment and related dementias.

  NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11463338

• Neuroinflammation and vascular cognitive impairment in aging

  This grant looks at how metabolic risk factors in midlife affect aging-related brain changes and memory problems, using mouse models and human brain findings to understand why vascular and inflammatory processes contribute to dementia.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11463280

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.