The submitted application for a K01 Mentored Scientist Career Development Award will afford Dr. Nicole Nugent formal and tailored training essential for her programmatic line of research in genetic predictors of psychiatric functioning (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance abuse), health behaviors (e.g., medication adherence, sex risk), and health outcomes (e.g., CD4/CD8 lymphocytes, HIV-1 plasma RNA levels, cytokines, and natural killer cells) in youth living with HIV (YLH). Given that YLH evidence levels of non- adherence to antiretroviral regimens expected to result in drug resistance and virologic failure, thereby increasing likelihood of transmission of drug-resistant strains to others, the public and patient health relevance elucidating factors that may influence health behaviors is substantial. Select genetic variants may influence patient health outcomes via their effects on synergistic neurobiological and psychobehavioral processes. Genetic samples and longitudinal data collected through the Reaching for Excellence in Adolescent Care and Health (REACH) Project provide a unique, cost-effective opportunity to examine these aims. Additionally, the proposed research is ideally suited to Dr. Nugent's career and training goals to: (1) obtain sufficient training in molecular genetics to permit informed multidisciplinary research collaborations with molecular genetics and other scientists, (2) gain expertise in advanced statistical modeling of genetic variants influencing human behavior and psychiatric conditions, (3) obtain familiarity with genetic influences on HIV transmission and post-infection disease progression, (4) further sensitivity to ethical considerations in genetic research and research with stigmatized populations, and to establish herself as a contributor within the psychiatric genetic and adolescent HIV scientific fields. These training goals will be achieved through a combination of formal coursework and workshops, applied training experiences using REACH and mentor data, and ongoing close mentorship. This K01 award will permit training and research findings to support future planned ROIs and programmatic line of innovative research with YLH.

Public Health Relevance

Although antiretroviral therapy has afforded marked health gains in YLH, these benefits are limited by patient adherence. Non-adherence results in emergence of drug-resistant strains of HIV. Identification of factors that may contribute to health outcomes in YLH via their effects on psychobehavioral and/or neurobiological processes will permit the development of informed behavioral and pharmacologic interventions for YLH.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01MH087240-03
Application #
8062049
Study Section
Behavioral and Social Consequences of HIV/AIDS Study Section (BSCH)
Program Officer
Brouwers, Pim
Project Start
2009-09-01
Project End
2014-02-28
Budget Start
2011-05-01
Budget End
2012-02-29
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$166,669
Indirect Cost
Name
Rhode Island Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
075710996
City
Providence
State
RI
Country
United States
Zip Code
02903
Barker, David H; Nugent, Nicole R; Delgado, Jeanne R et al. (2017) A genetic marker of risk in HIV-infected individuals with a history of hazardous drinking. AIDS Care 29:1186-1191
Nugent, Nicole R; Goldberg, Amy; Uddin, Monica (2016) Topical Review: The Emerging Field of Epigenetics: Informing Models of Pediatric Trauma and Physical Health. J Pediatr Psychol 41:55-64
Palmer, Rohan H C; Nugent, Nicole R; Brick, Leslie A et al. (2016) Evidence of Shared Genome-Wide Additive Genetic Effects on Interpersonal Trauma Exposure and Generalized Vulnerability to Drug Dependence in a Population of Substance Users. J Trauma Stress 29:197-204
Dunn, Erin C; Brown, Ruth C; Dai, Yael et al. (2015) Genetic determinants of depression: recent findings and future directions. Harv Rev Psychiatry 23:1-18
Palmer, Rohan H C; Brick, Leslie; Nugent, Nicole R et al. (2015) Examining the role of common genetic variants on alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and illicit drug dependence: genetics of vulnerability to drug dependence. Addiction 110:530-7
Knopik, V S; Bidwell, L C; Flessner, C et al. (2014) DSM-IV defined conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder: an investigation of shared liability in female twins. Psychol Med 44:1053-64
Delahanty, Douglas L; Gabert-Quillen, Crystal; Ostrowski, Sarah A et al. (2013) The efficacy of initial hydrocortisone administration at preventing posttraumatic distress in adult trauma patients: a randomized trial. CNS Spectr 18:103-11
Tolou-Shams, Marina; Houck, Christopher D; Nugent, Nicole et al. (2012) Alcohol Use and HIV Risk among Juvenile Drug Court Offenders. J Soc Work Pract Addict 12:178-188
Nugent, Nicole R; Lally, Michelle A; Brown, Larry et al. (2012) OPRM1 and diagnosis-related posttraumatic stress disorder in binge-drinking patients living with HIV. AIDS Behav 16:2171-80
Maccani, Matthew A; Delahanty, Douglas L; Nugent, Nicole R et al. (2012) Pharmacological secondary prevention of PTSD in youth: challenges and opportunities for advancement. J Trauma Stress 25:543-50

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