Weichun Lin

Weichun Lin is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, School of Medicine, where he has been a faculty member since 2003. He holds the prestigious title of Effie Marie Cain Scholar in Medical Research. His lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synapse formation, function, and degeneration, particularly at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).

Dr. Lin earned his Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the State University of New York at Albany in 1996, followed by postdoctoral training at the Salk Institute. His research integrates electrophysiology, genetics, and molecular biology to study synaptic development and neurodegeneration using transgenic mouse models. His work has significant implications for understanding diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s.

His research interests include:

• Synapse formation and patterning
• Neuromuscular junction biology
• Molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration
• Neuron-glia interactions
• Synaptic vesicle dynamics
• Calcium signaling in neurotransmission

Dr. Lin’s recent publications (2019–2022) reveal a strong focus on transgenic mouse models of synaptic dysfunction, ubiquitin-related protein regulation, and the role of specific ion channels and receptors in synaptic integrity. His work frequently appears in top-tier journals such as Nature, Neuron, PLOS Genetics, and Journal of Neuroscience, often in collaboration with leading neuroscientists like Kuo-Fen Lee and Thomas C. Südhof.

His scientific achievements include:

• Effie Marie Cain Scholar in Medical Research

Dr. Lin has mentored numerous graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduate researchers, many of whom have gone on to academic and research positions. While specific grants are not listed, his consistent publication record and named scholar title suggest sustained external funding. He leads the Lin (Weichun) Lab, which maintains active research on synaptic development and degeneration using cutting-edge molecular and physiological techniques.