RFURosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science · Microbiology & Immunology
Neurocognitive Disorders Research Lab
Johnny J He · North Chicago, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Johnny J. He's lab at Rosalind Franklin University focuses on understanding and treating HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, which affect many individuals living with HIV. The research aims to explore how a modulator called PNU-120596 can protect brain cells from damage caused by HIV and improve cognitive function. By studying the molecular mechanisms at play, the lab hopes to contribute to developing effective treatments for these conditions and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.
HIVneurocognitive disordersneuropathogenesisallosteric modulationTat proteinCNSPAMtherapeutics
Research Aims
3AIM 01Characterize the mechanisms of 7 nAChR/PAM-mediated neuroprotection against Tat neurotoxicity.
AIM 02Define the mechanisms of 7 nAChR/PAM-mediated inhibition of HIV replication and latent HIV reactivation.
AIM 03Determine the in vivo effects of 7 nAChR/PAM activation on HIV neuropathogenesis and HIV replication in the CNS and periphery.
Skills the Lab Values
molecular biology techniquescell cultureanimal modelsgenetic engineeringadvanced genomicsimmunohistochemistrybiochemical assaysdata analysisbioinformatics
Output against the department
Publications133top 48% of dept.234th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.7kbottom 27% of dept.354th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.