# Imaging Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $186,775

## Abstract

Abstract: Imaging Core 
The Imaging Core of the Chronic HIV Infection, Aging and NeuroAIDS (CHAIN) Center consists of two 
laboratories, the Preclinical Imaging Laboratory (M. Boska, Co-PI) and the Human Structural and Functional 
Neuroimaging Laboratory (T. Wilson, Co-PI). The primary goals of the Core are to support CHAIN PIs and 
other neuroAIDS investigators in the identification and quantification of HIV-related alterations in brain function, 
structure, and metabolism, and to aid in understanding how emerging therapeutics modulate brain function to 
ameliorate and/or reverse these HIV-related alterations. Discovery of neural biomarkers of HIV-associated 
neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and the basic mechanisms of HIV-related brain injury remains a high priority, 
with 35-70% of all HIV-infected patients developing HAND in the post cART era. Surprisingly, despite this 
persistently high prevalence, there are currently no diagnostic tests or any specific biomarkers that can 
precisely pinpoint HAND, be used to monitor disease progression, or as an assay of an emerging treatment’s 
beneficial effects. The CHAIN Imaging Core has been designed for biomarker discovery and optimization, as 
the same imaging assessments can be performed in parallel in animal models and human trials. Such a 
parallel approach allows bidirectional feedback between animal and human studies, and will enhance abilities 
to diagnosis, monitor, and predict HAND in humans, while providing targets for detailed histological and 
biochemical studies of the underlying mechanisms. Alterations will be assessed with regard to age, viral status, 
sex, drug treatment, and effects of drugs of abuse. In short, this Core will use animal models of HIV-infection 
to provide noninvasive imaging indicators of altered neuronal function and neurotoxicity, and investigate the 
biochemical mechanisms of these functional abnormalities in collaboration with the Omics Core. Potential 
biomarkers of altered function can then be tested in humans in the Imaging Core using advanced structural 
and functional imaging in collaboration with the Developmental Core. Conversely, as functional deficits are 
detected in human studies, regions identified as demonstrating abnormal neuronal function can be targeted for 
more thorough investigation in animal studies to (1) replicate the findings using similar imaging methodologies 
in a better controlled model (e.g., without lifestyle issues) and (2) investigate the cellular and biochemical 
source(s) of these functional abnormalities in collaboration with the Omics Core and the Cell, Tissue, and 
Animal Core. These studies will provide new diagnostic capabilities, uncover the biochemical and functional 
deficits associated with HAND, and allow monitoring of the effects of new therapies on brain biochemistry and 
function in animals and humans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10122997
- **Project number:** 5P30MH062261-20
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Balasrinivasa R Sajja
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $186,775
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2000-09-30 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10122997

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10122997, Imaging Core (5P30MH062261-20). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10122997. Licensed CC0.

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