How the protein CRIP1a controls brain cannabinoid receptors
Cannabinoid Receptors and Associated Proteins-Renewal
Researchers are learning how a protein called CRIP1a affects brain cannabinoid receptors that help control nerve cell signaling, development, and protection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321737 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They will use human-derived nerve cell lines and purified proteins to see how CRIP1a binds G protein partners and how that binding changes when the cannabinoid receptor is activated. Lab methods include fluorescence-based binding tests, experiments with receptor tail peptides, and work with cultured neuroblastoma cells to model the molecular interactions. The team will examine biochemical switches like palmitoylation, phosphorylation, and Arl protein cycles that may load or release G protein cargo from CRIP1a. Results will be used to link these molecular events to processes relevant to brain development, seizure activity, and mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with epilepsy, certain neurodevelopmental conditions, or mental health disorders linked to cannabinoid receptor function are the most likely to benefit from advances stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without disorders of brain development, seizure disorders, or cannabinoid-related conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treating seizures, developmental brain disorders, or mental health conditions tied to cannabinoid signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Past basic-science work has mapped CB1 receptor signaling and suggested roles for CRIP1a in brain function, but targeting CRIP1a for therapy is still novel and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howlett, Allyn C — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Howlett, Allyn C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.