The present invention relates to Astrocyte Modulated Genes (AMGs). AMGs are genes whose expression are modulated in human astrocytes grown in primary cell culture following the exposure of these cells to either the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 or to the HIV-1 protein gp120. AMGs comprise both Astrocyte Enhanced Genes (AEGs) and Astrocyte Suppressed Genes (ASGs). Thus, the present invention further relates to Astrocyte Enhanced Genes (AEGs), the expression of which are up-regulated in human astrocytes grown in primary cell culture that are exposed to either the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 or to the HIV-1 protein gpl20, and to Astrocyte Suppressed Genes (ASGs), the expression of which are downregulated in human astrocytes grown in primary cell culture that are exposed to either the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 or to the HIV-1 protein gp 120. Because they may playa role in HIV-associated dementia ('HAD'), AMGs may be used as markers in methods for screening for drugs that treat or prevent HAD.
ASTROCYTE MODULATED GENES AND USES THEREOF