Dr. Xue Ru Wu

Biography

Xue-Ru Wu is a distinguished professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, holding the Bruce Cynthia Sherman Professorship in Urological Research Innovation. His work primarily focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of urinary bladder diseases. These diseases represent significant clinical and social issues, with bladder cancer being the fifth most common neoplasm and the twelfth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Urinary tract infections are also prevalent, contributing to millions of physician visits each year and incurring substantial healthcare costs. Professor Wu has conducted extensive studies on the known pathogenesis of bladder disorders, utilizing bladder-specific markers known as uroplakins. These proteins are critical differentiation products of the normal bladder epithelium and are retained in a majority of human bladder cancers, making them excellent lineage-specific markers for differentiating bladder cancers. Additionally, he has discovered that uroplakins Ia and Ib serve as major urothelial receptors for type 1-fimbriated E. coli, responsible for over 85% of urinary tract infections. His research aims to improve the understanding and management of these significant health concerns.

Research Interests