John Rubinstein

John Rubinstein obtained his B.Sc from the University of Guelph in 1998. He received his PhD from Cambridge University (2002) where he worked in Medical Research Council laboratories under the supervision of Sir John E. Walker and Dr. Richard Henderson. Dr. Rubinstein was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology before returning to Canada for a National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) postdoctoral fellowship at the Banting and Best Department of Medical Research. He joined the Research Institute of The Hospital for Sick Children in 2006 and is a Professor in the Departments of Biochemistry and Medical Biophysics.

Electron Cryomicroscopy of Macromolecular Machines

Our group studies the structure and function of macromolecular assemblies using electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM), as well as other biophysical and biochemical approaches. We also develop cryo-EM methods so that we can answer questions that are not amenable to the techniques that currently exist.

There are two main biological research directions in the laboratory, both of which relate to how energy is transformed and stored in cells. First, we are investigating membrane protein complexes like the V-ATPase and its interaction partners, which drive neurotransmitter loading into synaptic vesicles in the brain and energize the membranes of lysosomes. These studies are aimed at understanding the molecular basis of neurological disorders and the role of V-ATPases in cancer and other diseases. Second, we are studying oxidative phosphorylation in mycobacteria, which has emerged as important target space for the development of new drugs to treat tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. This work is providing a fundamental understanding of energy metabolism in these pathogens, and through a collaborative network looking for new therapeutics to treat mycobacterial infections.

Appointments, Cross Affiliations, Memberships

Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics
Senior Scientist, The Hospital for Sick Children

Courses Taught

BCH 2138H Advanced Electron Microscopy
BCH425H Structural Biology: Principles and Practice

Awards and Distinctions

2024 — Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC)
2021-2028 — Canada Research Chair in Electron Cryomicroscopy (Tier I)
2021 — National Lecturer, Biophysical Society of Canada
2020 — Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa, Stockholm University
2014-2021 — Canada Research Chair in Electron Cryomicroscopy (Tier I)
2014 — GE Healthcare New Investigator Award (Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences)
2013 — Burton Medal (Microscopy Society of America)
2009-2014 — Early Researcher Award
2007-2012 — CIHR New Investigator Award