Understanding Brain Cell Growth in People with HIV and Methamphetamine Exposure
Official title: Impact of miRNAs on adult neurogenesis following exposure to methamphetamine and HIV-1 Infection
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11325939 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how HIV and methamphetamine use together might change how new brain cells grow, aiming to understand related thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $107,390 |
| NIH project number | 3R21DA060085-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325939 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant to individuals living with HIV who have a history of methamphetamine use and experience neurocognitive challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV or methamphetamine exposure, or those without neurocognitive issues, would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people living with HIV also use substances, which can worsen brain-related issues like memory and thinking problems. This project looks closely at how HIV and methamphetamine might affect the growth of new brain cells, which are important for brain health. Researchers are focusing on tiny molecules called miRNAs and how they might control brain cell movement and communication between brain barriers and new cells. They hope to uncover new ways that these factors contribute to brain changes seen in individuals with both HIV and methamphetamine exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for brain and thinking problems in people with HIV who have also used methamphetamine.
How similar studies have gone: The proposal builds on significant discoveries about how chronic methamphetamine and HIV impact brain cell growth, suggesting some foundational knowledge exists.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Min Seon — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Park, Min Seon
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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.