Dr. Lin leads a research laboratory focused on the function, regulation, and therapeutic targeting of enzymes that control protein post-translational modifications (PTMs). Following the sequencing of the human genome, one of the major remaining challenges in biology and medicine is to understand the function of all proteins. Importantly, proteins are not always expressed, and even when expressed, their activity is highly regulated—often modulated by cellular stress and signaling cues. This regulation is essential to nearly all aspects of cell signaling.

Dr. Lin’s research emphasizes that to fully understand a protein’s role, it is critical to investigate how its activity is controlled. The lab, therefore, concentrates on elucidating both the function and regulation of PTM enzymes. Building on these insights, Dr. Lin’s team develops small molecule inhibitors targeting these enzymes, with the goal of advancing novel therapeutics for human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.