Research Update
CPFA’s research dollars continue to fund outstanding projects that have garnered international attention. Dr. Mark Kaplan at the University of Michigan and Dr. Joseph McGowan at North Shore University Hospital have collaborated on an ongoing HIV Lymphoma study that has revolutionized the understanding of Human Endogenous Retroviruses. Their work has uncovered a probable direct link between viral infections and cancer! Based on preliminary findings from CPFA grant dollars, Dr. Kaplan has been able to expand the scope of his project and is now committed to a 5 year fully funded NIH grant to elucidate a viral cause of cancer. In his study HIV appears to be a culprit virus in turning on a process that converts normal lymphocytes to malignant cells. CPFA has direct contact with Dr. Kaplan’s lab and we will be making periodic announcements regarding his findings.
In addition, CPFA will be funding an amazing new project with Dr. Barbara Sherry at The Feinstein Institute at North Shore University Hospital. This novel project will look at the direct effects of HIV on lipid metabolism and cholesterol production. It is well described that HIV causes elevation in blood lipids and cholesterol in HIV infected patients and now Dr. Sherry and her team will hopefully elucidate the biochemical reason for this finding. Her research will have far reaching implications into the multi-billion dollar cholesterol treatment industry and will impact not only those living with HIV but all people with atherosclerotic disease due to high cholesterol and lipids.