Deborah C. Rubin, MD, AGAF

Deborah C. Rubin, MD, AGAF

William B. Kountz Professor of Medicine
Professor of Developmental Biology
Associate Director for Faculty Affairs
Director, Womens' GI Committee

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Education

  • Fellowship: Washington University, St. Louis, MO (1988)
  • Chief Residency: John Cochran Veterans Administration Hospital, St. Louis, MO (1984)
  • Residency: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO (1984)
  • MD: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (1981)

Research Interest

Dr. Deborah Rubin’s laboratory focuses on understanding mechanisms that regulate gut stem and crypt epithelial cell proliferation in normal intestine and in inflammation-induced colon cancer. Our studies have relevance to human short bowel syndrome and colitis-associated colon cancer. We are studying the role of myofibroblasts in the crypt stem cell niche and in inflammation induced carcinogenesis . These cells have important effects on proliferation of the gut epithelium or cellular lining, in both the normal intestine and in the inflamed intestine. Our lab, in collaboration with Dr. Marc Levin’s laboratory, has also had a long-standing interest in studying the molecular basis for enhanced gut proliferation in response to loss of small bowel surface area in short bowel syndrome. Recent studies focus on the role of luminal contents such as diet and microbiome on the adaptive response in short bowel syndrome.

Areas of Clinical Interest

Gastroenterology consultation, short bowel syndrome, small bowel diseases, endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, women’s health in gastroenterology

Awards

  • Distinguished Service Teaching Award from Class of 2015, Washington University School of Medicine, 2013.
  • Samuel R. Goldstein Leadership in Medical Student Education, Washington University School of Medicine, 2012
  • Distinguished Educator for Clinical Fellow Mentoring, Washington University School of Medicine, 2010
  • Academic Women’s Network Mentor , Washington University School of Medicine, 2009
  • Chair, Committee on Women in Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association 1997-2000
  • Industry/American Gastroenterological Association Research Scholar Award 1990

Editorial Responsibilities

  • Editorial Board
    • American Journal of Physiology Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
  • Reviewer
    • Biochimica Biophysica ActaGastroenterology
    • Human Gene Therapy
    • Journal of Clinical Investigation
    • Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry
    • Pediatric Research
    • Anatomic Records

Grant Review Committees

  • NIH NIDDK Study Section C for T32, K08 and R03 Awards 2001-2004
  • NIH NIDDK Study Section for Clinical Integrative and Molecular Gastroenterology (CIMG) 2007-2011
  • Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of American (CCFA) Research Training Awards Review Committee 2003-2006 and 2006-2009
  • Ad Hoc Reviewer, Broad Foundation for Medical Research 2012