Yun Lyna Luo

Dr. Yun Lyna Luo is an Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy at Western University of Health Sciences. Her research focuses on computational biophysics, particularly using molecular dynamics simulations to study ion channel mechanisms and AI-assisted drug design. She joined the university in 2013 and has held leadership roles in editorial boards (Nature Methods, Biophysical Journal) and professional organizations (Biophysical Society, American Chemical Society).

Education:

• PhD, Ecole Normale Supérieure (Paris VI), 2004-2007
• Postdoc, Argonne National Laboratory & University of Chicago, 2008-2013
• BS/MS, Zhejiang University, 1997-2004

Research Interests:

Her lab develops multiscale simulation methods to study ion channel dynamics (e.g., PIEZO1, connexins) and applies these to drug discovery. Key areas include ligand-receptor interactions, membrane protein function, and mechanism-driven drug design. Recent work targets piezo channels for contraception and PRMT inhibitors for leukemia treatment.

Grants & Awards:

• NIH R01 Grant (MPI): Pharmacological Modulation of PIEZO1 Channels (2019-2028)
• NSF Collaborative Research: Sensory Membrane Protein Dynamics (2024-2027)
• Over 40 invited talks at conferences including Gordon Research Conferences and ACS National Meetings

Teaching & Service:

• Course instructor: Molecular Simulation, Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
• Leadership roles: College Tenure & Promotion Committee (2023-2024), Department Vice Chair (2018-2019)

Laboratory:

The Luo Lab operates at the interface of computational biophysics and translational medicine. Key projects include developing FAIR-compliant simulation protocols and collaborating on projects such as CatSper channel-based contraception and cancer immunotherapy strategies.