Ana Belén Elgoyhen

Ana Belén Elgoyhen is an Argentinian biologist and researcher known for her significant contributions to the field of neuroscience and pharmacology. She is particularly recognized for her research on the molecular mechanisms of hearing and the role of nicotinic receptors in the auditory system.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Elgoyhen was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She completed her undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Buenos Aires and later pursued her doctorate in biochemistry from the same institution.

Career and Research[edit | edit source]

Following her doctorate, Elgoyhen joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States as a postdoctoral fellow. Here, she began her research on the molecular mechanisms of hearing.

Elgoyhen's research has primarily focused on the role of nicotinic receptors in the auditory system. She was the first to identify the alpha9 and alpha10 subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which are crucial for the functioning of the auditory system. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular basis of hearing and has potential implications for the treatment of hearing disorders.

In addition to her research, Elgoyhen has held several academic positions. She is currently a professor at the University of Buenos Aires and a researcher at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona).

Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]

Elgoyhen has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to neuroscience and pharmacology. These include the Bernardo Houssay Award for her research in the biological sciences and the L'Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science for her work on the molecular mechanisms of hearing.