Excited to share our new paper in mBio! We show that the Chlamydia trachomatis effector protein CT181 binds Mcl-1, prolongs neutrophil survival, enhances bacterial persistence, and promotes infection/pathogenesis in vivo.

We’re hiring in the Weber Lab at the University of Iowa! We study how intracellular pathogens (Chlamydia trachomatis and Orientia tsutsugamushi) manipulate host cells through secreted effector proteins. Two great opportunities for future scientists and research professionals.

We’re hiring! Join the Weber Lab at the University of Iowa to study Chlamydia effector biology, centrosome regulation, vesicular trafficking, and innate immunity. Please share!

The GRFP lives!! (due end of October) www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...

🚨 We’re hiring! 🚨 Come work with us at the University of Iowa on Orientia tsutsugamushi—a fascinating intracellular pathogen. Projects include building genetic tools + uncovering how effectors hijack host cell cycle + centrosome function. Please share! 📩 [email protected] 🔗 weber.lab.uiowa.edu

PSA for NIH R35s: My R35 was administratively withdrawn this year because I broke my Future Research into “Aims” & they said this violated the “Do not submit a Specific Aims page or identify specific aims” policy. So. Don’t use the word “Aims” in an R35 - use “Projects”. #critical

BV study section rescheduled for mid-April, posted on the Federal Register yesterday

I’m absolutely devastated. My heart goes out to those who put so much effort into these applications and to the panel members who dedicated their time and energy to reviewing them. Hoping for a swift resolution!

Stunning microscopy and fascinating new insights from @lamasonlab.bsky.social on Rickettsia-ER contact sites. Incredible work!

Registration is open for the NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in Microbiology at the Host-Pathogen Interface. This 10-week summer program places students in bacteriology, immunology, parasitology, or virology research labs. bit.ly/3ACBJvt

🎉 Big congratulations to MSTP student Xavier Tijerina and Postdoctoral Fellow Jabeena on the release of their exciting preprint! 🚀 Their work sheds new light on CpoS and its interactions with host and other Inc proteins! Check it out here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

Friday we said farewell to our incredible postdoc Jaby, who’s off to do amazing work with Rama Rao Amara at Emory. Best of luck, Jaby—we’ll miss you and can’t wait to see all you accomplish! 👏🎉

Excellent advice on P&T!

Had a fantastic time hosting @shames-lab.bsky.social for an inspiring seminar! Incredible science and exciting insights—thanks for sharing your work with us!