NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how lysosomal dysfunction affects cognitive disorders in HIV patients

Official title: Lysosomal dysregulation contributes to HAND

Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10886233 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a problem with cell recycling in the brain, caused by the HIV virus, might lead to thinking and movement issues in people with HIV, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve brain health for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTemple Univ of the Commonwealth
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$534,644
NIH project number1R56AG082530-01A1
Project IDNIH-10886233 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-1 infected individuals experiencing cognitive, speech, or motor disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients without HIV infection or those not exhibiting cognitive or motor dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of lysosomal dysfunction in the development of cognitive and motor disorders in patients infected with HIV. It focuses on how the HIV-1 Vpr protein disrupts lysosomal activity, leading to the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins like alpha-synuclein, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. By analyzing the mechanisms of lysosomal degradation and its impact on neuronal health, the study aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive function in affected individuals.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive and motor functions in HIV-infected patients suffering from neurocognitive disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting lysosomal dysfunction can lead to improvements in neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.

Where this research is happening

  • Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Santerre, Maryline — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
  • Study coordinator: Santerre, Maryline

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.