معرفی
Dr. Pablo Artigas serves as Professor in the Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's School of Medicine. His research program centers on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of P-type ATPase ion pumps, with particular focus on sodium/potassium (Na/K) and proton/potassium (H/K) transporters critical for cellular homeostasis and implicated in multiple human diseases.
His laboratory investigates three interconnected research domains:
- Mechanisms of ion selectivity and transport stoichiometry in Na/K and H/K pumps using structural biology and electrophysiology
- Pathophysiological consequences of pump mutations in diseases including Conn's syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2, alternating hemiplegia of childhood, and cystic fibrosis
- Evolutionary adaptations of ion transport systems in extreme environments, modeled through brine shrimp survival in 14% salinity (4x seawater)
Analysis of Dr. Artigas's recent publications (2020-2023) reveals a consistent emphasis on resolving atomic-level mechanisms of ion recognition and transport through integrated approaches combining mutagenesis, voltage clamp fluorometry, and computational modeling. His work demonstrates how subtle structural changes in transmembrane domains govern ion specificity and electrogenicity, with direct implications for understanding disease pathogenesis.
Dr. Artigas currently mentors three graduate students and two undergraduates, supported by active NIH, NSF, and CH Foundation grants. His laboratory operates within the Center for Membrane Research (CMPR) and utilizes the Membrane Protein Core Laboratory (MPCL) facilities, providing access to advanced electrophysiology rigs, molecular biology suites, and fluorescence imaging systems. The lab maintains active collaborations with leading institutions including Aarhus University (Denmark), University of Chicago, and University of Iowa, fostering an international research environment focused on membrane transport biology.
