Understanding Brain Development as a Foundation for Understanding Brain Diseases

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Presented by

John L.R. Rubenstein, M.D., Ph.D.

University of California at San Francisco

Nina Ireland Distinguished Professor in Child Psychiatry

Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology

Center for Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry

Scientific Council Member Emeritus

2016 Ruane Prizewinner for Outstanding Achievement in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research

1997 Distinguished Investigator Grant

1992, 1990 Young Investigator Grant

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

Moderated by

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Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., serves as the President & CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, the largest private funder of mental health research grants. Dr. Borenstein developed the Emmy-nominated public television program “Healthy Minds,” and serves as host and executive producer of the series. The program, broadcast nationwide, is available online, and focuses on topics in psychiatry in order to educate the public, reduce stigma and offer a message of hope. Dr. Borenstein served as Editor-in-Chief of Psychiatric News, the newspaper of the American Psychiatric Association from 2012 - 2023.

Dr. Borenstein is a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine and serves as the Chair of the Section of Psychiatry at the Academy. He also has served as the President of the New York State Psychiatric Association. Dr. Borenstein earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard and his medical degree at New York University.