Dr. Rubenstein's basic research interest is in developmental neurobiology, particularly the development of the forebrain, the area of the brain that is required for the highest intellectual functions. His clinical interest is in neurodevelopmental disorders. Early in his career, Dr. Rubenstein applied his training in biophysics to basic explorations of membrane structure and biogenesis. Later, he used antisense RNA and retroviral vectors, advanced techniques for manipulating genetic information, to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of embryogenesis.

Dr. Rubenstein trained at Stanford University and the Pasteur Institute in Paris prior to joining UCSF. While serving as a resident physician at Stanford Medical School, he began experiments on the genetic control of forebrain development that remain the focus of his work at UCSF, where he examines genetic mechanisms underlying epilepsy and cognitive disorders.

Prizewinner Video:

Symposium Presentation:

Genetic Analyses of Forebrain Development Give Insights into Origins of Neuropsychiatric Disorders

October 28, 2016, New York City