In a rare accomplishment, Jun Zhu, M.D., Ph.D., clinical professor in the Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences department for the College of Pharmacy, has been awarded a five-year R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health. The grant, totaling more than $3.2 million, is Zhu’s third concurrent grant.
“Beyond the headlines of having multiple R01 grants is the realization that the reviewers of your grant applications are two-fold acknowledging not just the innovative work you are proposing but also the work you have accomplished,” says Michael Wyatt, chair of DDBS.
According to Zhu’s grant, more than 38 million people are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection worldwide which continues to be a global public health problem. Despite the widespread use of efficacious combination of antiretroviral therapy, up to 70% of HIV-positive individuals suffer from cognitive and behavioral deficits collectively known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. Zhu’s grant will study the effects of HIV-1 Tat protein and methamphetamine on VMAT2-mediated dopamine transmission in the context of neuroHIV and drug abuse.
More than 38 million people are living with HIV infection worldwide. Despite the widespread use of effective drug therapy, up to 70% of HIV-positive individuals suffer from neurocognitive disorder.
Dean Stephen Cutler noted there is no greater recognition of a research faculty member than for their peers to recommend their R01 grant application for funding.
“For Dr. Zhu to have three concurrent R01s demonstrates that his peers recognize the high-quality research he conducts,” says Cutler. “Holding multiple R-type awards allows for smoother transitions from a funded award to an unfunded award. He has set a high bar for others in our college and university to follow. I am so grateful for his hard work and tremendous leadership.”