Arne Rietsch

Arne Rietsch, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He also serves as the Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program at the School of Medicine. His research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly studying how Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes disease through its type III secretion system.

Dr. Rietsch's laboratory investigates three main aspects of the type III secretion system (T3SS): translocator protein secretion, the control mechanisms that prevent effector secretion prior to cell contact (involving PcrG/PcrV and the PopN complex), and the mechanism by which cell contact triggers effector secretion. His work has revealed that translocation of effector proteins can be feedback inhibited by the type III effector ExoS. His research spans bacterial pathogenesis, molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and bacterial secretion systems, with important implications for treating infections caused by this opportunistic pathogen.

Dr. Rietsch's recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate continued research productivity across multiple areas including bacterial pathogenesis, immunology, and regenerative medicine. His work shows consistent focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa mechanisms while expanding into related fields like STING pathway regulation and liver fibrosis.

• Small molecule induced STING degradation facilitated by the HECT ligase HERC4 (2024)
• The transcription factor ZNF469 regulates collagen production in liver fibrosis (2025)
• A biofilm-tropic Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage uses the exopolysaccharide Psl as receptor (2025)
• NLRP3 selectively drives IL-1β secretion by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected neutrophils and regulates corneal disease severity (2023)
• PopB-PcrV Interactions Are Essential for Pore Formation in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Translocon (2022)

As Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program, Dr. Rietsch plays a significant role in training the next generation of physician-scientists. His laboratory provides research opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in bacterial pathogenesis and molecular microbiology, with collaborations particularly strong with Dr. Eric Pearlman on ocular infections.

The Rietsch lab combines genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to understand how P. aeruginosa interacts with host cells at the molecular level. Their work addresses important questions in infectious disease research with relevance to public health, particularly for immunocompromised patients, burn victims, and those with cystic fibrosis.