Understanding how HIV medications affect fat gain
Official title: Defining cellular and molecular processes underlying adipose tissue dysfunction onINSTI-based antiretroviral therapy
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11020626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of HIV medication called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) affects weight gain in women, and it aims to understand why this happens by exploring how these drugs interact with fat cells and hormones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $707,929 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141455-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are currently prescribed INSTI medications and are experiencing weight gain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on INSTI medications or those who do not have HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of a specific class of HIV medications, known as integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), on weight gain, particularly in women. The study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind this weight gain by examining how these medications disrupt estrogen signaling in fat cells. By using advanced techniques like ATAC sequencing, researchers will analyze changes in gene expression and energy expenditure related to fat metabolism. The findings could lead to better management strategies for patients experiencing weight gain while on these medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help develop strategies to mitigate weight gain in patients taking INSTIs, improving their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown similar effects of INSTIs on weight gain in animal models, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Sangwon F — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Sangwon F
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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.