Understanding HIV-linked nerve pain
Pathogenesis of HIV-associated sensory neuropathy
This project looks at how HIV causes ongoing numbness, tingling, and burning pain in people with HIV to help find better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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-11171697 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of research focused on why so many people with HIV develop painful sensory neuropathy in their hands and feet. Researchers will examine patient skin and spinal samples for nerve fiber loss (PGP9.5) and new nerve sprouting (GAP43) and measure related growth factors controlled by Wnt5a. The team also uses mouse models exposed to the HIV protein gp120 to reproduce the nerve changes and test molecular links. Together these approaches aim to pinpoint the pathways that drive HIV-related nerve pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who have chronic sensory neuropathy symptoms (numbness, tingling, or burning pain) and who are willing to provide clinical information or small skin samples are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those without neuropathic symptoms, or anyone looking for immediate pain relief are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific targets for new, mechanism-based pain treatments tailored to people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and mouse work has linked the HIV protein gp120 and Wnt5a signaling to nerve changes and pain, but therapies targeting these mechanisms have not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Subo — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Subo
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.