Meet the Grantee: Prof. Diego M Bustos
Optogenetic Modulation of the cAMP/PKA/14-3-3 Trinity
If you had to explain the research project of your Short Term Grant to the person you metin the elevator, how would you describe it?
Diego M Bustos: My fellowship project focuses on developing a way to control important cellular proteins called 14-3-3 with light in cells that do not normally respond to light. These proteins act like molecular coordinators inside cells, helping regulate processes such as growth, survival, and communication. Because they are involved in many essential biological functions, scientists need precise tools to study when and where they act.
Was there a special moment in your life that made you decide for your research focus?
Diego M Bustos: At the end of my PhD, I became fascinated by the 14-3-3 protein family because of their remarkable ability to regulate many different cellular processes through interactions with hundreds of partner proteins. I was struck by how these proteins act as central hubs in the cell, coordinating signaling networks that influence survival, differentiation, and disease. Their versatility and biological importance convinced me that they were not only scientifically intriguing, but also highly relevant for understanding fundamental mechanisms of cell regulation. From that moment on, I decided to focus my research on uncovering new ways to study and control 14-3-3 proteins, which eventually led me to explore innovative approaches such as optogenetics.
What is in your opinion the future of your field? In what way can research in your field contribute to meeting the urgent challenges of our time?
Diego M Bustos: In my opinion, the future of my field lies in developing increasingly precise ways to control and understand protein function inside living cells. Research on 14-3-3 proteins and optogenetics is especially promising because it combines molecular biology with advanced light-based technologies to study cellular processes in real time and with great accuracy.
This research can make important contributions to addressing urgent challenges such as cancer and neurological diseases. 14-3-3 proteins are deeply involved in cell growth, survival, and signaling pathways that are often altered in tumors and neurodegenerative disorders. By creating tools to control these proteins with light, we can better understand how their malfunction contributes to disease and identify new therapeutic strategies.
In the future, these technologies may help design highly targeted treatments that act only in specific cells or tissues, reducing side effects and improving effectiveness. In this way, our field has the potential not only to expand fundamental biological knowledge, but also to open new paths for precision medicine in some of the most pressing health problems of our time.
What does international research mobility in today's world mean to you?
Diego M Bustos: International research mobility is, in my view, one of the most important aspects of science in today’s
world. It allows researchers to exchange knowledge, techniques, and perspectives across borders, accelerating scientific progress in ways that would not be possible in isolation. For me, mobility is essential because it creates opportunities to learn directly from leading experts, access new technologies, and build collaborations that strengthen both personal and institutional research capacity. My experience in Bayreuth is a clear example: working in a different scientific environment not only advanced my project, but also gave me new ideas, skills, and long-term partnerships that will continue to benefit my research in Argentina.
What was your personal experience during your stay?
Diego M Bustos: My personal experience during my stay in Bayreuth was extremely positive. What I liked most about
the University was its campus environment: the green areas, the peaceful atmosphere, and the absence of disturbing noise created an ideal setting for concentration and creative scientific thinking. I found it especially valuable to have quiet spaces where one can reflect deeply and elaborate complex ideas, which is essential in research.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well the University combines high-level scientific infrastructure with such a calm and welcoming environment. This balance made daily work both productive and enjoyable.
My favorite spot in Bayreuth was the University campus itself, particularly the green open spaces around the research buildings. They offered not only a beautiful setting, but also moments of calm between experiments and meetings, making the campus a place that truly supports both scientific work and personal well-being.
What were your expectations when you applied for the Fellowship? Did you have specific goals in mind, something you were hoping to achieve?
Diego M Bustos: When I applied for the Fellowship, I had several clear expectations and goals in mind. First, I was very
motivated to meet and work with Dr. Prof. Möglich, whose research in optogenetics is highly influential and closely aligned with my interests.
Second, I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of how to establish and run an optogenetics laboratory, including experimental design, technical requirements, and best practices to ensure reliable results. Third, I was hoping to attend state-of-the-art seminars and scientific discussions, in order to broaden my knowledge and stay updated with the latest advances in the field.
Finally, I was also interested in experiencing Bavarian culture, as I believe that immersion in a different cultural environment is an important part of international scientific exchange and personal growth..
If you could choose a famous researcher or scientist to have dinner with, who would it be?
Diego M Bustos: That’s an interesting question. First I would ask if it means someone alive or also from the past. In
any case, I think I would choose a German scientist. Of course, Albert Einstein is maybe too obvious. So maybe I would prefer someone more close to my field, like Stefan W. Hell, Franz-Ulrich Hartl, or Matthias Mann. Also, I have to say that I already had dinner with Dr. Prof. Möglich, so in some way I already had a very nice experience like this.
Have you noticed any differences or similarities between UBT and your home university?
Diego M Bustos: Yes, I noticed many differences. The University of Bayreuth (UBT) for me is like a dream university:
very organized, clean, quiet campus, really good environment to think and work. What I liked a lot is that outside everything is calm, but inside there is a lot of activity, many inspiring teachers and very smart students.
In contrast, my home university, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, is quite different. There are very good people and strong potential, but the environment is more difficult. Mostly this is because of the political and governmental situation, where higher education is not always strongly supported or trusted. This affects organization, infrastructure, and daily work.