Harvey Rubin, Ph.D, M.D.

Dr. Rubin’s research focuses on a general model for the mechanism of inhibition of serine proteases by serine protease inhibitors (serpins) based on site directed mutagenesis, atomic resolution crystal structures and NMR spectroscopic analyses. The model has led to a general description of necessary and sufficient criteria for the design of specific interactions between the inhibitor and the enzyme. In order to study the serpin/enzyme system his lab has developed cloning and expression systems for human serine proteases and protease inhibitors. The researchers are now in the position to carry out detailed investigations of the structure and function of both components of this system.