Overview
Robert Bastidas is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Integrative Immunobiology at Duke University, where his primary research focuses on host-pathogen interactions. Dr. Bastidas employs Chlamydia trachomatis as a model system for understanding the mechanisms enabling intracellular bacterial pathogens to thrive within human cells. In addition, his recent interests extend to investigating how infections by bacterial pathogens contribute to the shaping of human immune responses. Dr. Bastidas also holds the position of Associate Editor for Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Research Professor in Integrative Immunobiology
·
2023 - Present
Integrative Immunobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Scholarly Works
RNF213-dependent lytic destruction of Chlamydia-containing vacuoles activates host cell death pathways.
Journal article Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · September 2026 The cytokine gamma-interferon promotes antimicrobial cell-autonomous immunity by inducing hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Among these ISGs is the ubiquitin E3 ligase RNF213 which protects host cells from a wide range of intracellular pathog ... Full text Link to item CiteThe Chlamydia effector Dre1 binds dynactin to reposition host organelles during infection.
Journal article Cell Rep · April 22, 2025 The obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis replicates in a specialized membrane-bound compartment where it repositions host organelles during infection to acquire nutrients and evade host surveillance. We describe a bacterial effector, Dre1, ... Full text Link to item CiteThe acetylase activity of Cdu1 regulates bacterial exit from infected cells by protecting Chlamydia effectors from degradation.
Preprint · February 15, 2024 Many cellular processes are regulated by ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. Pathogens can regulate eukaryotic proteolysis through the delivery of proteins with de-ubiquitinating (DUB) activities. The obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trach ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Duke Preparing Research Scholars in Biomedical Sciences- Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMECo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027Functional characterization of early Chlamydia effectors
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2023Posttranslational modifications of host proteins by Chlamydia effectors
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2021View All Grants
Education
Duke University ·
2009
Ph.D.