WFUWake Forest University · Neuroscience
Howlett Lab
Allyn C Howlett · Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Research Focus
Dr. Allyn C. Howlett's lab investigates how cannabinoid receptors function in the brain, particularly focusing on a protein called CRIP1a that interacts with these receptors. This research seeks to better understand the mechanisms behind receptor signaling and how they could influence neurological health and disease, including conditions like epilepsy and mental health disorders. By studying the interplay between cannabinoid receptors and CRIP1a, the lab aims to uncover insights that may lead to selective therapeutic targets.
cannabinoid receptorsCRIP1aneurodevelopmentmental healthreceptor signalingepilepsyneuroprotectionneurotransmitter releaselipid carriers
Research Aims
3AIM 01Determine the selectivity of CRIP1a for myristoylated Gi proteins.
AIM 02Investigate the interface of CRIP1a with the CB1R-G protein activation cycle.
AIM 03Analyze the mechanisms for loading and unloading myrGi into CRIP1a.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureco-immunoprecipitationfluorescence polarizationWestern blotX-ray crystallographyRNA extractionprotein purificationimmunohistochemistrysubcellular fractionation
Output against the department
Publications258top 28% of dept.184th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations20ktop 22% of dept.147th of 671
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.