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Scripps Research Joint Appointments

Faculty, Kellogg School of Science and Technology

Research Focus

Cell cycle checkpoints and damage repair in mammalian cells

Cell cycle checkpoints monitor the integrity of the eukaryotic genome and ensure that cell cycle progression is delayed until chromosome damage is completely repaired. Both cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair are essential mechanisms to maintain genome integrity and prevent tumorigenesis. However, it is still not well defined how checkpoints are activated and coordinated with DNA damage repair at the molecular level. Our research interest is to determine the mechanisms underlying DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint control and to address how cell cycle arrest is coordinated with the DNA damage repair process in order to maintain genome stability and prevent cancer.

Education

Ph.D., Biology, Brandeis University, 1995

Awards & Professional Activities

New Scholar in Aging, Ellison Medical Foundation

Selected References

Wu, X., Avni, D., Chiba, T., Yan, F., Zhao, Q., Lin, Y., Heng, H.H.Q., Livingston, D.M. SV40 T antigen interacts with Nbs1 to disrupt DNA replication control. Genes Dev. 18:1305-1316. 2004

Liu, E., Li, X., Yan, F., Zhao Q., Wu, X. Cyclin-dependent kinases phosphorylate human Cdt1 and induce its degradation. J Biol Chem. 279: 17283-17288. 2004

Li, X., Zhao, Q., Liao, R., Sun, P., and Wu, X. The SCFSkp2 ubiquitin ligase complex interacts with the human replication licensing factor Cdt1 and regulates Cdt1 degradation. J Biol Chem. 278: 30854-30858. 2003

Wu, X., Ranganathan, V., Weisman, D.S., Heine, W.F., Ciccone, D.N., O'Neill, T.B., Crick, K.E., Pierce, K.A., Lane, W.S., Rathbun, G., Livingston, D.M. and Weaver, D.T. ATM phosphorylation of Nijmegen breakage syndrome protein is required in a DNA damage response. Nature 405: 477-482. 2000