Scientists Unveil $1.5 Million Grant to Study Long COVID’s Impact on the Brain
In a groundbreaking initiative to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain health, the National Institute of Mental Health has awarded a significant grant of $1.5 million to Jianyang Du, PhD, of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. This award supports Dr. Du’s research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neurological disorders associated with long COVID.
Aiming to Uncover the Hidden Risks of COVID-19
Dr. Du, an associate professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the College of Medicine, is at the forefront of this critical research effort. His project is a collaboration with Colleen Jonsson, PhD, director of the UT Health Science Center Regional Biocontainment Laboratory and professor in the Department of Microbiology. Additionally, Kun Li, PhD, an assistant professor at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, is providing consultancy.
As the world continues to face the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing focus on the long-term health impacts of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. Particular attention is being paid to the neurological effects experienced by long COVID patients. Understanding how the virus affects the brain is crucial for developing effective treatments and addressing health disparities linked to the pandemic.
Pioneering Research Utilizes Mouse Model Mimicking Human Infection
Dr. Du’s team has developed a mouse model that mirrors SARS-CoV-2 infection, enabling researchers to monitor behavioral changes two weeks post-infection. Their studies reveal that viral genetic material can be detected in the brain as early as four days after infection, highlighting the virus’s direct impact on brain function. Furthermore, the team has observed viral components within neurons, along with signs of immune system activation in the brain.
Three Key Areas of Focus in the Research
This research aims to shed light on how SARS-CoV-2 alters neuronal activity, potentially leading to new treatments for long COVID. The study will focus on three main areas:
- Investigating whether the infection model triggers increased neuronal activity in the mouse population.
- Understanding how the infection activates microglia, the brain’s immune cells, and examines their interactions with neurons.
- Evaluating how activated microglia affect surrounding neurons in response to the infection.
By elucidating these complex interactions, the team hopes to develop therapeutic strategies that can combat the neurological challenges posed by COVID.
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Qian Ge, my postdoctoral fellow, for her significant contributions to the grant application. Dr. Ge’s preliminary data supports the hypothesis and provides a solid foundation for future exploration. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Long-Jun Wu, the professor and founding director of the Center for Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Dr. Wu provided invaluable technical support for the grant application, and the progress of this work would not have been possible without his generous assistance.
Dr. Jianyang Du, PhD, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The Future of Research and Relief for Long COVID
As the global pandemic continues to shape our lives, research into its long-term effects is more crucial than ever. By uncovering the mechanisms behind long COVID’s neurological impact, Dr. Du’s work aims to provide relief to those suffering from these debilitating symptoms and help reduce health disparities associated with the pandemic.
This project represents a significant step forward in understanding the broader implications of COVID-19 on human health. By advancing our knowledge in this critical area, researchers can pave the way for new treatments and interventions that can improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
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