Research
The Lin Lab combines principles from chemistry and engineering to develop foundational methods for observing and controlling biological events in real time. In its emphasis on customizing protein-ligand affinity and reaction kinetics, our approach can be termed "synthetic biochemistry". In particular, we have been pioneering the engineering and use of photoproteins and viral proteases to develop next-generation molecular diagnostics and therapies. Click on each image to learn more about our projects.
Fluorescent protein-based technologies
Fluorescent reporters of millisecond-scale electrical signals in the brain
Real-time control of protein activity by light or drugs
Real-time visualization of biology in living cells and animals
Protease-based technologies
Stable long-acting inhibitors of SARSCoV2 protease
Temporal integration of biochemical signals to detect and treat cancer