Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics
Faculty Roster
 | Guillermo Altenberg, MD, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Cell Physiology
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
3601 4th Street, STOP 6551
Lubbock, Texas 79430
Phone: (806) 743-2531
FAX: (806) 743-1512
Email: G.Altenberg@ttuhsc.edu
Research Interests
- My current work focuses on the gap-junction-forming proteins known as connexins. These are the proteins that form the intercellular channels that compose the gap junctions, which are essential for cell-to-cell electrical and chemical communication, and are involved in development, as well as in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
The main current projects in our laboratory are:
- Structure/function analysis of gap-junction channels. Identification of pore-lining residues and determination of the molecular mechanisms of permeability regulation.
- Mechanism of deafness caused by mutations of the cochlear connexins. Mutations of connexin 26 (Cx26) are the most frequent cause of deafness.