H. Eric Xu

Papers

Total Citations

150

H-Index

About

H. Eric Xu is a structural biologist whose pioneering work has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, particularly within the class B and class F families. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of hormone and neuropeptide recognition, with major contributions to the structural elucidation of receptors for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), glucagon, and the Wnt signaling pathway. In a landmark 2008 study, Xu and his team revealed the molecular recognition of CRF by its type 1 receptor (CRFR1), a critical interaction governing the stress response via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This work, cited over 150 times, provided the first detailed blueprint for drug design targeting stress-related disorders. Over his career, Xu’s studies have accumulated tens of thousands of citations, reflecting their profound impact on both basic biology and therapeutic development. His achievements include numerous high-profile publications in journals such as *Nature* and *Cell*, and he is widely recognized for solving some of the most challenging GPCR structures, enabling the rational design of drugs for metabolic, endocrine, and neurological diseases.