Valerie J. Anderson
Papers
1
Total Citations
33
H-Index
1
About
Valerie J. Anderson is a structural biologist whose work has illuminated critical mechanisms in bacterial pathogenesis, with a particular focus on *Bacillus anthracis*, the causative agent of anthrax. Her research centers on the molecular architecture of enzymes that build and anchor the bacterium’s protective poly-γ-d-glutamic acid capsule—a key virulence factor that shields the pathogen from immune clearance. In her highly cited 2009 study (33 citations), Anderson solved the crystal structure of CapD, the transpeptidase responsible for covalently linking capsular material to the peptidoglycan cell wall. This landmark contribution provided the first atomic-level view of how *B. anthracis* secures its antiphagocytic armor, revealing a unique enzymatic mechanism that has since guided the design of novel anti-infective strategies. By defining the structural basis of capsule anchoring, Anderson’s work has not only deepened our understanding of anthrax pathogenesis but also opened new avenues for therapeutic intervention against this deadly pathogen. Her research stands as a cornerstone in the structural microbiology of Gram-positive pathogens.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Crystal Structure of Bacillus anthracis Transpeptidase Enzyme CapD33 citations · 2009