Living Legend: Rubin Tuder, University of Colorado

Dr. Rubin Tuder, from the University of Colorado, is a leading authority on the mechanisms driving pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His research aims to define the molecular, cellular, and histopathological features of these conditions, with studies spanning the morphological and molecular features of both diseases, anchored on extensive studies reliant on human pathological samples, animal models, and cell culture systems. Among his accomplishments, he contributed to the field of pulmonary hypertension with the co-development of the Sugen-hypoxia (SU-Hx) rat model, now a cornerstone in preclinical PH research and drug discovery. His work has provided pivotal insights, ranging from the elucidation of the molecular architecture of pulmonary vascular lesions, metabolic abnormalities in the disease,  and the finding of vascular lesion clonality indicative of genetic mutations in pulmonary hypertension.
With over 400 publications in top journals, Dr. Tuder is also a passionate mentor, guiding emerging scientists who now lead advancements in pulmonary and vascular medicine worldwide. His scientific achievements, collaborative spirit, and dedication to improving patient outcomes have made a lasting impact on the global PH research community.