Understanding how brain cells affect opioid addiction and behavior in HIV patients
Official title: Function of astrocytes autophagy in brain homeostasis and opioid-induced maladaptive behavior and addiction, in the context of HIV
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-11059084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes affect behavior related to opioid addiction in people living with HIV, hoping to find new ways to understand and improve brain health and addiction treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $349,323 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057884-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059084 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing issues related to opioid addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or are not struggling with opioid addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in how they influence behavior related to opioid addiction, particularly in individuals with HIV. The study focuses on the mechanisms by which these cells manage neurotransmitters and respond to inflammation, which may contribute to maladaptive behaviors associated with drug use. By examining the process of autophagy, which helps cells recycle components and manage energy, the research aims to uncover new insights into the relationship between brain function and addiction. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their brain health interacts with addiction and HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating opioid addiction in patients with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on astrocyte autophagy in the context of opioid addiction and HIV is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain cells in addiction.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Hage, Nazira — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: El-Hage, Nazira
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Reducing Addiction Risk in High Schools Through Better Prevention Infrastructure
Aims to build a sustainable, school-based system to prevent opioid and other drug use among high school students, especially those at higher risk.
-
HEAL Data Platform to share addiction-related data across programs
A platform project to make HEAL data from many programs easier to find and use, helping researchers and clinicians access information about addiction in children and youth.
-
Cognitively-enhanced tDCS to reduce cocaine craving
A study to test whether real brain stimulation together with learning strategies can lessen craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Yale center researching how tobacco products affect use and addiction in people
A Yale research center is studying how nicotine, flavor additives, and other ingredients in tobacco products influence people’s likelihood of starting and becoming addicted.
-
Atherosclerosis in cocaine addiction: imaging risk with PET/MR
This project uses PET/MR imaging to look for early artery disease in people with cocaine use disorder to help prevent strokes or other brain injuries.
-
Integrating long-acting PrEP into street medicine for people who use drugs
This project tests whether a long-acting HIV prevention shot (lenacapavir) can be feasibly and acceptably offered by street-based health teams to people who use drugs.
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.