# NeuroGerm Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2020 · $83,761

## Abstract

NEUROGERM CORE PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: The overall NeuroGerm (NG) Core is co-directed
by Drs. Davey Smith and Rob Knight and comprises a “Virology-Inflammation Unit” and a “Microbiome Unit”.
These units will be integral to the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC), and will develop new
knowledge and new technologies to meet the Center's scientific and training goals. Specifically, the units will
provide HNRC and collaborating researchers with expertise and techniques relevant to the virologic and
immunologic investigation of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) with an enhanced focus on the
role of the microbiome, and on HIV eradication from the central nervous system (CNS). The NG Core will offer
a range of services focused on: (i) assay development, validation and provision, (ii) analytical support, (iii)
quality assurance, (iv) training, and (v) provision of samples and reagents.
 Since viral populations in the central nervous system (CNS) can be genetically distinct from populations in
other tissues, such as blood, lymphoid and genital tract, advanced virologic techniques will be needed to
characterize neurotropism and neurovirulence in the CNS in relation to HAND, as well as to design appropriate
HIV eradication strategies involving the CNS. The NG Core will also enhance the HNRC's transdiciplinary
focus through close collaboration with the NeuroBiology, NeuroAssessment and Developmental Cores, utilizing
multiple laboratory and analytical techniques specific to CNS derived virus, and characterizing the microbiome
in relation to neurocognitive functioning. In summary, the NG Core will provide the proposed quality services to
tackle the mission of the HNRC. The provision of these services will be based on a detailed strategic planning
process designed to maintain flexibility and to maximize utility of offered services based on the scientific needs
of the field and our associated HIV investigators. With its variety of cutting-edge molecular and immunologic
techniques, the NG core will be crucial to the understanding and mechanisms of the neuropathogenesis of
HIV.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10071089
- **Project number:** 5P30MH062512-20
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** David Mitchell Smith
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $83,761
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2021-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10071089

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10071089, NeuroGerm Core (5P30MH062512-20). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10071089. Licensed CC0.

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