Robert B. Bourret

Robert B. Bourret is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UNC School of Medicine. He is also affiliated with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Program in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, and the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP). His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction in two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) across bacteria, archaea, fungi, and plants.

Research Interests: Dr. Bourret investigates how cells detect environmental stimuli and execute responses through TCSs, emphasizing phosphoryl group transfer mechanisms. His work explores the intrinsic catalytic activities of response regulators, the role of kinases and phosphatases in accelerating reactions, and the implications of signaling kinetics for pathogenesis and synthetic biology. Collaborations with Peggy Cotter’s lab link TCSs to Bordetella virulence and vaccine development.

Publication Trends: Recent articles highlight his expertise in two-component systems, phosphorylation biochemistry, and chemotaxis. Key areas include structural analysis of CheW-like domains, functional diversity of receiver domains, and phosphorelay networks in Azorhizobium. His studies bridge molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational approaches to understand TCS regulation and applications in synthetic biology.

Contact: Email: bourret@med.unc.edu. Office: 6108 Marsico Hall, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC 27599.