Alan K. Howe
Professor, Department of Pharmacology
Professor, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Associate Director of Cancer Research, Training and Education Coordination, UVM Cancer Center
Full Member - Cancer Host and Environment (CHE)
Larner Graduate Education Committee
149 Beaumont Ave.
HSRF 322
Burlington, VT 05405
United States
- Ph.D., Tumor Cell Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- B.S., Biochemistry, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Department of Pharmacology
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (secondary)
UVM Cancer Center
BIO
Dr. Alan Howe's research focuses on the interplay between mechanotransduction and classical second messenger signaling pathways in the regulation of cytosketetal dynamics and invasive behavior. Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) modulate nearly every major cellular behavior, including growth, division, survival and movement. Most normal cells are anchorage-dependent to the ECM, controlling growth and survival. The loss of this trait is a hallmark of malignant tumor cells and correlates with their metastatic potential.
The Howe lab is also investigating how and why mitochondria are recruited to the leading of cells during migration and invasion. They use a variety of molecular and cellular techniques; including live-cell microscopy, optogenetics, microfluidics, and microfabrication to control, investigate, and analyze signaling pathways in live cells as they respond to changes in the extracellular microenvironment.
Courses
CLBI 6010, Cell & Molecular Biology - Course Director
CLBI 7010 Critical Reading in Cell Biology - Course Director
Publications
Awards and Achievements
2024 LCOM Graduate Education Committee
2024-present Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering, Grant Subcommittee
2023-present Associate Editor, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
2023-present Associate Director for Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination, UVM Cancer Center
2023-present UVMCC Senior Leadership Committee (ex officio)
2022-present Guest Editor, Special Issue of Role of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and Intracellular Metabolism in Cancers, Cancers
2016-present UVMCC ACS IRG Advisory & Review Committee
2012-present Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee, UVM Cancer Center
2010-2011 Nominee, Silver Stethoscope Award for Teaching Excellence, UVM College of Medicine
2001 Howard Temin Career Award
Bio
Dr. Alan Howe's research focuses on the interplay between mechanotransduction and classical second messenger signaling pathways in the regulation of cytosketetal dynamics and invasive behavior. Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) modulate nearly every major cellular behavior, including growth, division, survival and movement. Most normal cells are anchorage-dependent to the ECM, controlling growth and survival. The loss of this trait is a hallmark of malignant tumor cells and correlates with their metastatic potential.
The Howe lab is also investigating how and why mitochondria are recruited to the leading of cells during migration and invasion. They use a variety of molecular and cellular techniques; including live-cell microscopy, optogenetics, microfluidics, and microfabrication to control, investigate, and analyze signaling pathways in live cells as they respond to changes in the extracellular microenvironment.
Courses
CLBI 6010, Cell & Molecular Biology - Course Director
CLBI 7010 Critical Reading in Cell Biology - Course Director
Publications
Awards and Achievements
2024 LCOM Graduate Education Committee
2024-present Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering, Grant Subcommittee
2023-present Associate Editor, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
2023-present Associate Director for Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination, UVM Cancer Center
2023-present UVMCC Senior Leadership Committee (ex officio)
2022-present Guest Editor, Special Issue of Role of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and Intracellular Metabolism in Cancers, Cancers
2016-present UVMCC ACS IRG Advisory & Review Committee
2012-present Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee, UVM Cancer Center
2010-2011 Nominee, Silver Stethoscope Award for Teaching Excellence, UVM College of Medicine
2001 Howard Temin Career Award