Sherwood Casjens
Papers
1
Total Citations
6
H-Index
1
About
Sherwood Casjens is a leading virologist whose research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of bacteriophage structure, assembly, and evolution. His work centers on the molecular mechanisms by which complex viruses like bacteriophage P22 package their DNA and assemble their intricate tail machinery. In a notable contribution, Casjens investigated the crystallogenesis of the P22 tail accessory factor gp26, a protein essential for stabilizing viral DNA within the mature capsid. He demonstrated that gp26 exists as an extended triple-stranded coiled-coil, sharing profound structural similarities with class I viral membrane-fusion proteins—a finding that bridges the gap between bacterial viruses and eukaryotic pathogens. This work, while highly specialized, has accrued over 6 citations and exemplifies his broader impact in revealing the evolutionary relationships among viral structural components. Casjens’s career has been defined by a meticulous, structure-driven approach to virology, providing foundational insights into how viruses build their infectious particles. His research remains a cornerstone for students and scientists exploring viral morphogenesis, DNA packaging, and the deep evolutionary connections that unite diverse virus families.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1