Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
@vjrubenstein.bsky.social
Lucky me, lucky mud.
Cell biology. Protein quality control. Yeast. PUI.
Survivor and Severance superfan
He/him
Views my own, not my employer's
Cell biology. Protein quality control. Yeast. PUI.
Survivor and Severance superfan
He/him
Views my own, not my employer's
Pinned
Trump's NIH funding cuts halt Indiana's life-saving research | Opinion
If you’ve been to the doctor and received treatment, that treatment was very likely built on NIH-supported research.
www.indystar.com
I wrote about the harmful impacts of NIH funding cuts on the health and economy of Indiana.
www.indystar.com/story/opinio...
www.indystar.com/story/opinio...
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Glutamine metabolism gives the immune system precision—quieting inflammation while rebuilding tissue!
Proud of my lab team for this exciting work as we venture into immunometabolism to learn how wound cells are fed!
www.cell.com/cell-reports...
Proud of my lab team for this exciting work as we venture into immunometabolism to learn how wound cells are fed!
www.cell.com/cell-reports...
Glutamine metabolism tunes myeloid responses to drive resolution of inflammation during skin repair
Xu et al. uncover how metabolites regulate cellular communication during inflammatory
resolution and tissue repair in vivo. They find that glutamine metabolism alters chromatin
accessibility and suppr...
www.cell.com
February 19, 2026 at 4:04 AM
Glutamine metabolism gives the immune system precision—quieting inflammation while rebuilding tissue!
Proud of my lab team for this exciting work as we venture into immunometabolism to learn how wound cells are fed!
www.cell.com/cell-reports...
Proud of my lab team for this exciting work as we venture into immunometabolism to learn how wound cells are fed!
www.cell.com/cell-reports...
@authorbillsullivan.com With all that's going on, it's critical we don't lose sight of the most important event of Feb 2026: The #Survivor50 premiere!
It's time for our pre-season winner draft! We have one week to draft our tribes of 12. You take first pick! I'll keep track. (Cast in next post)
It's time for our pre-season winner draft! We have one week to draft our tribes of 12. You take first pick! I'll keep track. (Cast in next post)
February 18, 2026 at 8:38 PM
@authorbillsullivan.com With all that's going on, it's critical we don't lose sight of the most important event of Feb 2026: The #Survivor50 premiere!
It's time for our pre-season winner draft! We have one week to draft our tribes of 12. You take first pick! I'll keep track. (Cast in next post)
It's time for our pre-season winner draft! We have one week to draft our tribes of 12. You take first pick! I'll keep track. (Cast in next post)
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
before antibiotics did people just die all the time from everything?
February 14, 2026 at 6:29 AM
before antibiotics did people just die all the time from everything?
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
We deleted a rhomboid protease… and regeneration went into overdrive.
New preprint from the Neal Lab!
Rhbdl2 restrains macrophage-driven regeneration in zebrafish. 🐟🔥 #Regeneration #InnateImmunity
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
New preprint from the Neal Lab!
Rhbdl2 restrains macrophage-driven regeneration in zebrafish. 🐟🔥 #Regeneration #InnateImmunity
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
www.biorxiv.org
February 17, 2026 at 1:59 AM
We deleted a rhomboid protease… and regeneration went into overdrive.
New preprint from the Neal Lab!
Rhbdl2 restrains macrophage-driven regeneration in zebrafish. 🐟🔥 #Regeneration #InnateImmunity
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
New preprint from the Neal Lab!
Rhbdl2 restrains macrophage-driven regeneration in zebrafish. 🐟🔥 #Regeneration #InnateImmunity
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Such a pleasure to share our commentary on #UFMylation client diversity published in @natrevmcb.nature.com. Thanks to @lisaheinke.bsky.social for the opportunity to write it, reviewers for their peer review contribution, and members of our lab for discussions.
Link: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Link: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Evaluating evidence for UFMylation client diversity - Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
The small ubiquitin-like modifier UFM1 is known to regulate the ribosomal subunit RPL26, but whether other bona fide substrates exist remains debated. This Comment discusses criteria for the experimen...
www.nature.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Such a pleasure to share our commentary on #UFMylation client diversity published in @natrevmcb.nature.com. Thanks to @lisaheinke.bsky.social for the opportunity to write it, reviewers for their peer review contribution, and members of our lab for discussions.
Link: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Link: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
I would ask people to call or message their senators about this and specifically that Vinay Prasad needs to be out at FDA. Even the Wall Street Journal has said as much. There is push back. Companies won’t fund clinical trials if they can’t trust the FDA.
If Moderna is no longer bringing vaccine trials for Epstein-Barr virus (good evidence that EB causes Multiple Sclerosis), herpes, and shingles because of Trump appointees, I want prison time for those appointees.
This might be dooming millions to disease they don’t have to experience.
This might be dooming millions to disease they don’t have to experience.
February 13, 2026 at 1:52 AM
I would ask people to call or message their senators about this and specifically that Vinay Prasad needs to be out at FDA. Even the Wall Street Journal has said as much. There is push back. Companies won’t fund clinical trials if they can’t trust the FDA.
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Yesterday in my Course-based Research class, we probed the age-old question: ER lumen towards the TOP of the model, or towards the BOTTOM of the model? #Celegans science with undergraduate researchers.
February 11, 2026 at 1:20 AM
Yesterday in my Course-based Research class, we probed the age-old question: ER lumen towards the TOP of the model, or towards the BOTTOM of the model? #Celegans science with undergraduate researchers.
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
If Bad Bunny can cover the history of Puerto Rico, colonialism, transatlantic slavery, hemispheric consciousness, as well as contemporary life and politics in under 14 minutes, you can do your 15- or 20-minute conference presentation with time to spare.
February 9, 2026 at 11:56 PM
If Bad Bunny can cover the history of Puerto Rico, colonialism, transatlantic slavery, hemispheric consciousness, as well as contemporary life and politics in under 14 minutes, you can do your 15- or 20-minute conference presentation with time to spare.
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
As a botanist, this isn’t funny. Plants are sessile and only do this when they’re in extreme distress
February 9, 2026 at 11:32 PM
As a botanist, this isn’t funny. Plants are sessile and only do this when they’re in extreme distress
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Thank you Jeremy! I've been trying to make the case to my dept that since funding rates are so low, funding shouldn't be required for tenure. This is super helpful. When you get a minute, can you tell me how you came up with these figures?
February 5, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Thank you Jeremy! I've been trying to make the case to my dept that since funding rates are so low, funding shouldn't be required for tenure. This is super helpful. When you get a minute, can you tell me how you came up with these figures?
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Ribosome-NAC collaboration: A regulatory platform for cotranslational chaperones, enzymes, and targeting factors. @DeuerlingLab discusses how the NAC coordinates the fate of nascent proteins on the ribosome. http://dlvr.it/TQnW4n
February 5, 2026 at 11:58 PM
Ribosome-NAC collaboration: A regulatory platform for cotranslational chaperones, enzymes, and targeting factors. @DeuerlingLab discusses how the NAC coordinates the fate of nascent proteins on the ribosome. http://dlvr.it/TQnW4n
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Redefining lipid biology from droplets to ferroptosis
https://www.europesays.com/ie/321196/
When most people think of lipids, they think of fat. James Olzmann thinks of life itself — how…
https://www.europesays.com/ie/321196/
When most people think of lipids, they think of fat. James Olzmann thinks of life itself — how…
Redefining lipid biology from droplets to ferroptosis - Ireland
When most people think of lipids, they think of fat. James Olzmann thinks of life itself — how cells store energy, maintain balance and decide when to die.
www.europesays.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:15 AM
Redefining lipid biology from droplets to ferroptosis
https://www.europesays.com/ie/321196/
When most people think of lipids, they think of fat. James Olzmann thinks of life itself — how…
https://www.europesays.com/ie/321196/
When most people think of lipids, they think of fat. James Olzmann thinks of life itself — how…
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
It is with deep sadness that we share that Michael J. Matunis, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has passed away. (1/4)
In Memoriam: Michael Matunis, 1964-2026 | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
publichealth.jhu.edu
February 4, 2026 at 7:50 PM
It is with deep sadness that we share that Michael J. Matunis, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has passed away. (1/4)
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
You know, I think it was literally last year, at age 69, that I discovered that the name of Coomassie Brilliant Blue stain, should in fact be "Kumasi" - because that's where it came from. That's right, from Ghana!
February 4, 2026 at 12:06 PM
You know, I think it was literally last year, at age 69, that I discovered that the name of Coomassie Brilliant Blue stain, should in fact be "Kumasi" - because that's where it came from. That's right, from Ghana!
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
🧵Good news out of #NIH today.
(1) NIH is extending #ESI and #K99/R00 eligibility to accommodate researchers whose eligibility would have ended during the previous shutdown. Take a look at NOT-OD-26-020. If your ESI status would have ended in 2025, you get an automatic extension through 2026/03/31.
(1) NIH is extending #ESI and #K99/R00 eligibility to accommodate researchers whose eligibility would have ended during the previous shutdown. Take a look at NOT-OD-26-020. If your ESI status would have ended in 2025, you get an automatic extension through 2026/03/31.
NOT-OD-26-020: Notice of Temporary Extension to Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) Eligibility Period
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Notice of Temporary Extension to Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) Eligibility Period NOT-OD-26-020. OD
grants.nih.gov
January 30, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Join SGD at #Yeast26 for cutting-edge #yeast research, networking opportunities, engaging talks, poster sessions, and workshops, for everyone from early career scientists to experienced researchers! Abstract submission by Mar5, early registration ends Apr16. See you there! @genetics-gsa.bsky.social
January 29, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Join SGD at #Yeast26 for cutting-edge #yeast research, networking opportunities, engaging talks, poster sessions, and workshops, for everyone from early career scientists to experienced researchers! Abstract submission by Mar5, early registration ends Apr16. See you there! @genetics-gsa.bsky.social
@stephenfishbach.bsky.social My pre-ordered copy of Escape! arrived today! So excited to read this book by one of my favorite people who I've never met :)
January 29, 2026 at 3:46 AM
@stephenfishbach.bsky.social My pre-ordered copy of Escape! arrived today! So excited to read this book by one of my favorite people who I've never met :)
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Our paper on the structural and functional basis of the human dimeric OS9–SEL1L–HRD1 ERAD complex, together with @qilabuva.bsky.social, is now out! Huge congratulations to Leo, Emir, and Elina!
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
January 27, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Our paper on the structural and functional basis of the human dimeric OS9–SEL1L–HRD1 ERAD complex, together with @qilabuva.bsky.social, is now out! Huge congratulations to Leo, Emir, and Elina!
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Spring 2026 Rubenstein Lab. I'm fortunate to get to work this amazing group of students! Looking forward to what we will discover together this semester!
January 22, 2026 at 2:14 AM
Spring 2026 Rubenstein Lab. I'm fortunate to get to work this amazing group of students! Looking forward to what we will discover together this semester!
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Chiming in here because we’re hiring a Research Technologist - Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) to design, implement, support, analyze, and report on rigorous research in molecular biology of symbiosis. Please consider and/or share with others.
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/jo...
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/jo...
Research Technologist - Life Sciences Advance Professional - Bordenstein Lab
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, a...
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Chiming in here because we’re hiring a Research Technologist - Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) to design, implement, support, analyze, and report on rigorous research in molecular biology of symbiosis. Please consider and/or share with others.
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/jo...
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/jo...
One of the best & worst parts of this job is saying goodbye to amazing students!
LiLi joined the lab as a freshman & did LOTS of great work. She is an author on 1 pub (so far) & received multiple grants + awards. A leader in the lab. The best attitude. So much growth over three years.
1/2
LiLi joined the lab as a freshman & did LOTS of great work. She is an author on 1 pub (so far) & received multiple grants + awards. A leader in the lab. The best attitude. So much growth over three years.
1/2
January 16, 2026 at 5:35 PM
One of the best & worst parts of this job is saying goodbye to amazing students!
LiLi joined the lab as a freshman & did LOTS of great work. She is an author on 1 pub (so far) & received multiple grants + awards. A leader in the lab. The best attitude. So much growth over three years.
1/2
LiLi joined the lab as a freshman & did LOTS of great work. She is an author on 1 pub (so far) & received multiple grants + awards. A leader in the lab. The best attitude. So much growth over three years.
1/2
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Love this from @stephenbheard.bsky.social on how to prioritize learning and useful discussion over tearing apart papers, and look forward to using some of these question prompts in future lab meetings: scientistseessquirrel.wordpress.com/2026/01/13/h...
How to lead a journal club you won’t be embarrassed by later
One of the jobs facing an early-career scientist, and a developing writer, is to learn what their field’s literature looks like. One of the best tools to that end is the journal club. If you’ve nev…
scientistseessquirrel.wordpress.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Love this from @stephenbheard.bsky.social on how to prioritize learning and useful discussion over tearing apart papers, and look forward to using some of these question prompts in future lab meetings: scientistseessquirrel.wordpress.com/2026/01/13/h...
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
More information, abstract submission and registration here:
www.indianaacademyofscience.org/events/annua...
www.indianaacademyofscience.org/events/annua...
January 12, 2026 at 4:49 AM
More information, abstract submission and registration here:
www.indianaacademyofscience.org/events/annua...
www.indianaacademyofscience.org/events/annua...
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Being a scientist is a lot like being an early cave explorer: you walk into a cave with backpack full of candles and slowly illuminate one cavern after another. Occasionally, you light on a new place that nobody in the world has ever been.
This feeling is unmatched.
This feeling is unmatched.
January 11, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Being a scientist is a lot like being an early cave explorer: you walk into a cave with backpack full of candles and slowly illuminate one cavern after another. Occasionally, you light on a new place that nobody in the world has ever been.
This feeling is unmatched.
This feeling is unmatched.
Reposted by Eric (“VJ”) Rubenstein
Paired with the show, Bob Goldstein created the world's longest microtubule, ascending the Genome Science Building's spiral stairs, to honor Emeritus Professor Ted Salmon
January 11, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Paired with the show, Bob Goldstein created the world's longest microtubule, ascending the Genome Science Building's spiral stairs, to honor Emeritus Professor Ted Salmon
