Interdisciplinary And Translational Research Training In Neurohiv

ABSTRACT This renewal application requests support for the continuation and further development of the “Interdisciplinary and Translational Research Training Program (ITRTP) in NeuroHIV” for predoctoral students studying central nervous system (CNS) complications of HIV infection and related areas of research. HIV-associated neurological disorders represent a complex disease requiring an integrated multidisciplinary approach designed to effectively train future research leaders in the field. This program brings together multiple biomedical basic science departments across Colleges/Schools at both Temple and Drexel and integrates joint training activities at these two neighboring institutions (Temple and Drexel) with unique and long-standing relationships between investigators located at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) with all institutions located in close proximity in Philadelphia, PA. In addition, this program integrates training activities and research resources available in our NIMH-funded Comprehensive Center for NeuroHIV (CNHC) involving both Temple and Drexel University and the Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). Inclusion of access to clinical HIV investigators in translational student research projects, as well Temple/Drexel CNHC basic science and clinical core facilities greatly enhances the NeuroHIV ITRTP with respect to its interdisciplinary nature. It also exposes students to the interrelatedness of basic sciences and clinical/translational perspectives focusing on HIV-induced CNS dysfunction, co-morbid conditions (i.e., aging, substance abuse, co-infecting pathogens, and cancer), HIV vaccine and prevention strategies, and novel neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies to treat and cure HIV infection in the periphery and reservoirs, including the brain. Our joint training program, together with our joint infrastructural resources available through our CNHC, provides a strong, interactive, and highly successful training environment in neurovirology and neuroHIV within the Philadelphia region. Our ongoing program will continue to develop our citywide ITRTP in NeuroHIV through shared resources, joint seminars, workshops, symposia, as well as thesis mentoring and educational activities available at both Temple and Drexel. The graduate curriculum at both institutions is designed to provide a broad-based scientific foundation in biomedical sciences, including neuroscience, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, engineering, and physiology. The training program consists of integrative sessions, including seminars, didactic lectures, and clinical content, all focused on NeuroHIV. The curriculum also includes responsible conduct of research, scientific communication, statistics, as well as advanced courses with in-depth training in molecular and cellular neurobiology, neuropathogenesis, and translational neuroscience that has proven to be effective and productive.