Our Research Focus
The lab of Lena Al-Harthi, PhD, is dedicated to understanding the mechanisms underlying neurocognitive disorders associated with HIV and SARS-CoV-2, including long COVID. We investigate how viruses like HIV and SARS-CoV-2 affect the brain, particularly focusing on the role of astrocytes, key cells that support brain health and function. Our research explores how these cells contribute to neuroinflammation and the resulting long-term cognitive impairments, even in the absence of their direct viral infection and/or invasion of the brain.
We aim to uncover how dysregulation of signaling pathways in astrocytes can lead to neuronal damage, and how these processes might contribute to both HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and long COVID.
Impact of Our Work
Our studies provide insights into virus-induced brain dysfunctions and could pave the way for identifying new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for neurocognitive disorders linked to HIV and COVID-19.
Technology
We use leading-edge, multidisciplinary tools to conduct our research. Molecular biology techniques include cloning, real-time PCR, gain and loss of function studies using siRNAs, CRISPR-Cas9, transduction, transfection, reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). We also utilize 12-color flow cytometry, ELISAs, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Additionally, we employ humanized mouse models with chimeric human brains, cerebral organoids, and post mortem brain studies.
Funding
Dr. Al-Harthi’s program is supported by funding from the NIH, particularly NINDS, NIMH, NIDA, and NIGM.
Our Team
- Namrah Ahmed, Research Technologist
- Jekzaly Arellano, PhD Candidate
- Arundhati Jana, PhD
- Srinivasa Narasipura, PhD
- Leannie Olivares, Research Technologist
- Ishwarya Venkatesh, PhD Candidate
- Amber Virdi, PhD
Contact Us
We welcome inquiries about our research, collaborations and funding. Please contact Lena Al-Harthi, PhD.