Summer Student Research Opportunities

Laboratory of Allyn Howlett

Neurotransmission in the central nervous system is fine-tuned by the release of endogenous lipid modulators, known as “endocannabinoids”, which signal to neighboring neurons to decrease neurotransmitter release, regulate synaptic plasticity and modulate neuronal functions.  The receptors for the endocannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, are G protein-coupled receptors that signal via pathways leading to phosphorylation of target proteins within the cell.  Dr. Howlett’s laboratory is investigating these pathways to determine if specific drugs that work via the CB1 receptors (for example, tetrahydrocannabinol (the active compound in marijuana), analgesic compounds developed by pharmaceutical companies, and endocannabinoid analogs) can initiate specific and unique signaling pathways that can direct cells toward one signaling outcome versus another.  These studies utilize cultured neuronal cells, gene expression analyses via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western immunoblot analyses of phosphoproteins, and second messenger assays.

Laboratory of Jeff Weiner

Dr. Weiner’s laboratory uses electrophysiological and behavioral approaches in rats and genetically-engineered mice to investigate the neural mechanisms responsible for some of alcohol’s behavioral effects.  Ongoing projects this summer will include studies characterizing the role of GABAergic inhibitory synaptic transmission in mediating the anti-anxiety effects of alcohol and alcohol drinking-related behaviors.  Students will have the opportunity to learn a wide range of behavioral assays (measures of anxiety-like behavior, operant alcohol self-administration) and gain exposure to whole-cell patch electrophysiological recording methods.

For more information, click below to visit the
Wake Forest Graduate School Summer Research Opportunities Program website