Ruiying Wu
Papers
1
Total Citations
33
H-Index
1
About
Ruiying Wu is a structural biologist whose work has illuminated key mechanisms in bacterial pathogenesis, with a particular focus on *Bacillus anthracis*, the causative agent of anthrax. Her research centers on the molecular architecture of virulence factors, especially enzymes involved in capsule synthesis and anchoring. Wu’s most cited study, the 2009 *Crystal Structure of Bacillus anthracis Transpeptidase Enzyme CapD* (33 citations), provided the first high-resolution view of how CapD catalyzes the attachment of the poly-γ-D-glutamic acid capsule to the bacterial cell wall—a critical step that protects the pathogen from immune clearance. By solving this structure, she revealed the enzyme’s active site and mechanism, offering a blueprint for designing inhibitors that could disarm *B. anthracis* by preventing capsule anchoring. This contribution has implications for developing novel anti-infective strategies against anthrax and related pathogens. Wu’s work exemplifies how structural insights can directly inform our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and open new avenues for therapeutic intervention, making her a notable figure in the field of microbial pathogenesis.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Crystal Structure of Bacillus anthracis Transpeptidase Enzyme CapD33 citations · 2009