Understanding how extracellular RNA carriers affect substance use disorders and HIV infection
Official title: Extracellular RNA carrier subclasses in processes relevant to Substance Use Disorders or HIV infection
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11089504 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny RNA carriers from bacteria in your gut might affect communication between your gut and brain, especially in relation to issues like substance use disorders and HIV, and it involves patients sharing samples or information to help us understand these connections better.
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 | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $232,410 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057887-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089504 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals with substance use disorders or HIV infection, as well as healthy volunteers for comparative analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to substance use or HIV, or those not willing to participate in research, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extracellular RNA carriers, particularly those from bacteria, in the communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system. It aims to explore how these carriers may influence conditions like substance use disorders and HIV infection by modulating gut-brain interactions. The study will utilize both preclinical models and clinical data to identify the mechanisms through which these carriers operate, potentially revealing new pathways for treatment. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help elucidate these complex interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing substance use disorders and HIV infection.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying extracellular RNA carriers in this context is relatively novel, there is emerging evidence supporting the gut-brain axis's role in various health conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roy, Sabita — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Roy, Sabita
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Transforming prison care for HIV, HIV risk, and substance use disorders
A patient-friendly look at improving HIV care and prevention for people in state prisons, especially where substance use is common.
-
Genetic factors behind alcohol and opioid use disorders and depression in veterans
A study using genetic data from veterans to understand how genes contribute to co-occurring alcohol use, prescription opioid use, and depression.
-
Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (brief trauma treatment)
A brief trauma-focused therapy called Written Exposure Therapy is being studied to help veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
Web-based training to treat PTSD and substance use together in Veterans
A web-based training resource helps VA clinicians learn how to provide integrated treatment for Veterans with both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
Mobile health support to help Veterans with substance use disorders function better after treatment
A smartphone app, based on Motivational Enhancement Therapy, is being developed to help Veterans stay on track and function better after leaving residential substance use treatment.
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.