Laboratory of Huangui Xiong, MD, PhD
Research Goals
Our laboratory studies cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) focusing on 1) how virus and viral proteins alter neuronal physiology, synaptic transmission and plasticity via subtypes of NMDA receptors, and 2) role of voltage-gated K channel Kv1.3 in HIV-1-associated mononuclear phagocytes (brain macrophages and microglia) activation, resultant production of proinflammatory substances and consequent neurocognitive impairment. Another focus in the laboratory investigates how the drugs of abuse, in particular methamphetamine, augment HIV-1-associated neuropathology via NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The ultimate goal of the laboratory research is to identify potential targets for the development of therapeutic strategies for HAND and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.
Techniques used in laboratory
- Brain slices
- Primary neural cell cultures
- Immunocytochemistry
- Fluorescent microscopy
- Western blotting
- Neurotoxicity assay
- Transmigration assay
- Field potential recording
- Whole-cell patch clamp recordings
- “Blind” whole-cell recording from brain slices
- Single channel recordings
Collaborators
Shilpa Buch, PhD
Professor, UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience
Director, UNMC Center for Substance Abuse Research
Howard E. Gendelman, MD
Margaret R. Larson Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Chair, UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience
Santhi Gorantla, PhD
Professor, UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience
Funding
Role: PI
Source: R01DA050540 (PI: Xiong) 09/01/2019 - 08/31/2024
DHHS/NIH $299,849
This grant investigates how drug abuse, in particular methamphetamine (Meth), potentiates HIV-induced microglia NLRP3 inflammasome activation and resultant neuroinflammation in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy.
Role: Co-I
1R01DA054535-01 (PI: Gorantla) 07/01/2021-06/30/2026
DHHS/NIH/NIDA $390,000
The goal of this project is to study the effect of cocaine abuse on CNS viral reservoir and HIV neuropathology.
Role: Co-I
5 P30 MH062261-18 (PI: Buch) 05/11/2017 - 03/31/2022
DHHS/NIH/NIMH $1,084,995
This is a Center grant to provide Administrative and Core Support for scientists investigating NeuroAIDS.
Role: Co-I
5 R01 NS034239-24 (PI: Gendelman) 03/15/2018 -02/28/2023
DHHS/NIH/NINDS $420,643
This proposal will determine cell responses in macrophages following HIV-1 infection and engagement with T cells and T cell subsets. Macrophage functions including phagocytosis, antigen presentation, intracellular killing and effector cell responses and their modulation by T cells is a focus for this work. Signal transduction pathways and mechanisms for virus-induced neurotoxicity or neuroprotection will be developed.