Publications by authors named "Joyce M Balinang"

Myelin disruptions are frequently reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and can occur in the CNS very early in the disease process. Immature oligodendrocytes (OLs) are quite sensitive to toxic increases in [Ca ] caused by exposure to HIV-1 Tat (transactivator of transcription, a protein essential for HIV replication and gene expression), but sensitivity to Tat-induced [Ca ] is reduced in mature OLs. Tat exposure also increased the activity of Ca /calmodulin-dependent kinase IIβ (CaMKIIβ), the major isoform of CaMKII expressed by OLs, in both immature and mature OLs.

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Objective: HIV type-1 (HIV-1) causes a spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) complications; many are worsened by opiate co-exposure. Human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) give rise to all CNS neurons and macroglia. We tested the hypothesis that hNPC maturation and fate are altered by HIV and opiates, contributing to HIV-1-related neuropathology.

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