Xu Wu

My research lies at the interface of chemistry and biology. We are using synthetic and medicinal chemistry methods to develop novel small molecule modulators of biological functions, aiming to 1).discover novel tools for stem cell and cancer biology; 2). pharmacologically identify and validate novel therapeutic targets; 3). discover novel signaling nodes, cross-talking and their physiological and pathological relevances. We use the combination of high throughput chemical screen, functional genomics and medicinal chemistry to discover new cancer targets and pharmacologically validate the new target. Specifically, we are developing small molecule modulators of Hedgehog, Wnt, and Hippo signaling, and study the differentiation and cellular senescence of various cancer cells.

Education

• B.S. Peking University
• Ph.D The Scripps Research Institute
• M.S. University of Pennsylvania

Companies

• Associate Professor Harvard Medical School (2016)
• Principal Investigator Massachusetts General Hospital (2011)
• Assistant Professor Harvard Medical School (2011 — 2016)
• Director, Biological Chemistry Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (2005 — 2011)
• Group Leader Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (2007 — 2008)
• Principle Investigator Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (2005 — 2006)