Dr. Eugene Wu

Assistant Professor of Biology and Biochemistry
A-311 Gottwald Science Center
Office: (804) 287-6449

Teaching:
Molecular Genetics

Research:
I study the fidelity of genome replication by viral and bacterial model systems. Why are replication enzymes so accurate? Can the mutation rates of viruses be modulated using nucleic acid analogues? We try to answer these questions by characterizing the mechanisms of DNA and RNA replication using techniques from molecular biology, X-ray crystallography, and biochemistry. I am also interested in the interactions between viruses and their receptors at the cell surface.

Education:
Ph.D., The Scripps Research Institute

Selected Publications:

Wu, E.Y. and L.S. Beese. A sampling mechanism for nucleotide selection by a high fidelity DNA polymerase. Submitted.

Nicklin, S. A., E. Wu, G. R. Nemerow, and A. H. Baker.  2005. The influence of adenovirus fiber structure and function on vector development.  Molecular Therapy. 12:384-93.

Trauger, S. A., E. Wu, S. B. Bark, G. R. Nemerow, and G. Siuzdak.  2004. Identifying viral receptors using mass spectrometry and affinity capture.  ChemBioChem. 5:1095-9.

Wu, E. and G. R. Nemerow. 2004. Virus yoga: the importance of flexibility in virus host cell recognition. Trends in Microbiology. 12:162-9.

Wu, E., S. A. Trauger, L. Pache, T. Mullen, D. J. Von Seggern, G. Siuzdak, G. R. Nemerow. 2004. Membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46) is a receptor for adenoviruses associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.  Journal of Virology. 78:3897-905.

Wu, E., L. Pache, D. Von Seggern, T. Mullen, Y. Mikyas, P. L. Stewart, and G. R. Nemerow. 2003. Flexibility of the adenovirus fiber is required for efficient receptor (CAR) interaction. Journal of Virology  77:7225-7235.

Chiu, C. Y., E. Wu, S. L. Brown, D. J. Von Seggern, G. R. Nemerow, and P. L. Stewart.  2001. Structural analysis of a fiber-pseudotyped adenovirus with ocular tropism suggests differential modes of cell receptor interactions. Journal of Virology. 75:5375-80.