Dr. Carl Wu

Biography

Carl Wu is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins University, holding appointments in the Department of Biology and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. His research focuses on understanding the structure and function of chromatin and its key role in regulating chromosome activities. He is currently investigating the biochemistry of the conserved histone variant H2A.Z, which is uniquely incorporated into eukaryotic promoters and enhancers throughout the genome. His work aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the site-specific incorporation of H2A.Z into nucleosomes and its essential functions in transcription regulation. By using budding yeast as a model organism, Wu employs advanced molecular genetics and biochemistry techniques to explore fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation. He is engaged in biochemical and structural studies to better understand chromatin dynamics and the role of histone exchange during transcription. Through innovative approaches such as single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, he investigates the interactions of transcription factors with chromatin in live cells. Wu's laboratory is known for its collaborative work, including ongoing partnerships with other research labs to develop new methodologies for studying chromatin biology. He received his Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University and has a long-standing career as a principal investigator at the National Cancer Institute, contributing significantly to the field over the past 30 years. Wu is a respected member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences and the European Molecular Biology Organization.

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