Laboratory of Palsamy Periyasamy, PhD

Research interests

My research is dedicated to exploring the complex world of epigenetic changes triggered by HIV-1/HIV-1 proteins and substance abuse. Specifically, I focus on how these changes activate glial cells like microglia and astrocytes, leading to neuroinflammation. My ultimate goal is to discover potential strategies for treating NeuroHIV. Epigenetics, a captivating field, involves inheritable modifications in gene activity without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation, histone alterations, and non-coding RNAs such as lncRNAs and microRNAs regulate this process.

Surprisingly, these epigenetic changes are closely linked to substance abuse and HIV-1 infection. Yet, the complex molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying how HIV-1 and substance abuse impact microglial activation and neuroinflammation remain enigmatic. To decode these intricacies, my research focuses on untangling the epigenetic landscape, with a spotlight on promoter DNA methylation and its interaction with neuroinflammatory responses in the context of HIV-1 and substance abuse, including substances like cocaine, morphine, methamphetamine, and alcohol. The knowledge gained from these investigations could lay the groundwork for developing epigenetic targets, offering innovative therapeutic approaches to alleviate the challenges of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy.