Javier Navarro, Ph.D.
Professor

Telephone: (409) 772-5480
Fax: (409) 772-1301
E-mail:jnavarro@utmb.edu
Campus Location: 2.206B Mary Moody Northen
Mail Route: 0437

Research

Our work focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptors. These are seven-helix transmembrane receptors acting as detectors of signals including odor, light, hormones, neurotransmitters, and as mediators for the entry of HIV-1. Genes encoding these receptors occupy a hefty 3% of the human genome. Of importance is that these receptors are the target of about 60% of drugs used to treat human diseases. In my laboratory we are applying X-ray crystallography to elucidate the atomic structure of seven-helix transmembrane receptors. Genetic and biophysical approaches are also applied to determine the role of specific domains on the function of these receptors.