Qian Wu

Dr Qian Wu is an Associate Professor in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Leeds, Faculty of Biological Sciences. Her research centers on the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage response and repair, with significant implications for cancer therapy and drug resistance.

Research Interests: Dr Wu's work focuses on understanding how cells respond to toxic DNA lesions such as double-strand breaks (DSBs) and interstrand crosslinks (ICLs), which are induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Her research aims to uncover the structural and functional basis of key protein complexes involved in DNA repair pathways, particularly in the context of cancer treatment efficacy and resistance.

• DNA Damage Response (DDR)
• DNA Repair Pathway Choice (NHEJ vs HR)
• Shieldin complex in PARP inhibitor sensitivity
• SLF1-SLF2 complex in replication fork stabilization
• Structural mechanisms of genome maintenance

Current Projects: Her lab investigates how the Shieldin complex influences repair pathway choice and response to PARP inhibitors in BRCA-deficient cancers. Another major project focuses on the structural and functional characterization of the SLF1-SLF2 complex in mediating cellular response to DNA interstrand crosslinks and replication stress.

Scientific Impact: This research is critical for developing strategies to overcome drug resistance in cancer therapy, particularly in tumors treated with PARP inhibitors. By combining structural biology with cellular and biochemical approaches, her work contributes to a deeper mechanistic understanding of genome stability pathways.

Advising and Research Support: While specific students and grants are not listed, Dr Wu leads an active research program supported by institutional affiliations and collaborations. Her work involves protein tool development, in vitro reconstitution, and cellular characterization to dissect DDR pathways.

Laboratory and Research Team: Dr Wu's research is conducted within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Leeds, where she leads a research group focused on structural and mechanistic aspects of DNA repair. The lab utilizes advanced techniques in structural biology and molecular biology to study protein complexes involved in genome maintenance.