DNA and brain with HIV

Unlocking the Mystery: How Your Genes and HIV Meds Impact Brain Health

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research highlights the intricate dance between our DNA, HIV, and cognitive function, offering hope for better treatments and understanding."

In an era where HIV treatment has transformed a once-deadly disease into a manageable condition, a new challenge has emerged: neurocognitive impairment (NCI). While modern antiretroviral therapies have dramatically improved the lives of people living with HIV, many still experience subtle to severe cognitive issues. These can range from minor memory lapses to significant problems with focus and decision-making, impacting daily life and overall well-being.

Scientists have long suspected that the reasons behind NCI in HIV-positive individuals are complex and multifaceted. Factors such as inflammation, the virus itself, and even the side effects of medications all likely play a role. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that our own genetic makeup may also significantly influence our susceptibility to these cognitive challenges.

Now, a new study is shedding light on this crucial piece of the puzzle: the interplay between our genes, mitochondrial function, and the risk of NCI in people living with HIV. This research, published in a peer-reviewed journal, dives deep into the complex world of nuclear-mitochondrial interactions, offering potential new avenues for understanding and ultimately combating cognitive decline in this population.

Decoding the Genetic Impact on Cognitive Function in HIV Patients

The recent CHARTER study, involving over a thousand participants, investigated how specific genes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) interact to influence neurocognitive performance in individuals with HIV. The researchers focused on identifying genetic markers that might make some people more vulnerable to NCI than others.

Mitochondria, often dubbed the "powerhouses of the cell," play a vital role in energy production. Dysfunction in these tiny organelles has been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. In the context of HIV, researchers believe that mitochondrial health could significantly impact cognitive function. Here's a breakdown of some key areas explored in the study:

mtDNA Haplogroups: These groups reflect an individual's maternal ancestry and can influence mitochondrial function.
Nuclear Genes: The study examined specific nuclear genes previously associated with NCI.
Nuclear-Mitochondrial Interactions: The primary focus was to see how these two genetic components interact to affect cognitive outcomes.

The study's findings suggest that certain combinations of mtDNA haplogroups and variations in nuclear genes may increase or decrease the risk of NCI. This highlights the potential for personalized medicine approaches, where treatment strategies are tailored based on an individual's genetic profile.

The Future of Brain Health for People Living with HIV

These results offer a promising step towards understanding the complexities of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment. By identifying specific genetic interactions, this research paves the way for developing targeted therapies and preventative strategies to protect brain health in people living with HIV. More extensive research is needed to confirm these findings and translate them into practical clinical applications, but the future looks brighter than ever before.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.mito.2018.07.004, Alternate LINK

Title: Nuclear-Mitochondrial Interactions Influence Susceptibility To Hiv-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment

Subject: Cell Biology

Journal: Mitochondrion

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: S. Smieszek, P. Jia, D.C. Samuels, Z. Zhao, J. Barnholtz-Sloan, H. Kaur, S. Letendre, R. Ellis, D.R. Franklin, T. Hulgan, A. Kallianpur, W.S. Bush

Published: 2019-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in the context of HIV?

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) refers to the cognitive difficulties experienced by some individuals living with HIV. These issues can range from mild memory problems to significant impairments in focus and decision-making, affecting daily life and overall well-being. The complexities of NCI stem from a combination of factors including the virus itself, inflammation, side effects of medications, and, importantly, an individual's genetic makeup.

What is the role of mitochondria and mtDNA in this research?

Mitochondria are essential organelles within cells, often called the "powerhouses" because they are crucial for energy production. Their dysfunction has been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. In the context of HIV, researchers are exploring how the health and function of mitochondria, specifically the mtDNA, can significantly impact cognitive function. The CHARTER study examined how these components interact with nuclear genes to affect cognitive outcomes in people living with HIV.

What did the CHARTER study investigate?

The CHARTER study investigated the interplay between specific genes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and neurocognitive performance in individuals with HIV. The study focused on how these genetic components interact to influence the risk of neurocognitive impairment. The research explored mtDNA haplogroups, nuclear genes associated with NCI, and the interactions between these two genetic components. The study's findings suggest that certain combinations of these genetic factors may increase or decrease the risk of NCI, highlighting the potential for personalized medicine approaches.

What are mtDNA haplogroups and their significance in this research?

mtDNA haplogroups reflect an individual's maternal ancestry and influence mitochondrial function. These groups were examined in the CHARTER study to determine their impact on neurocognitive performance. The research indicated that specific combinations of mtDNA haplogroups and nuclear gene variations might increase or decrease the risk of NCI in people living with HIV. This understanding is crucial for developing tailored treatment and preventative strategies.

What are the implications of this research for individuals living with HIV?

The study's findings offer a promising step toward understanding HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment. By identifying specific genetic interactions, this research paves the way for developing targeted therapies and preventative strategies to protect brain health in people living with HIV. This research highlights the potential for personalized medicine approaches, where treatment strategies are tailored based on an individual's genetic profile. Although more extensive research is needed, the implications are significant for improving the lives of people living with HIV.