Academic Staff

Dr Yin Lu

Lecturer & Principal Investigator

Dr Yin Lu is a lecturer in biopharmaceutical sciences at the School of Chemical and BioPharmaceutical Sciences at TU Dublin delivering a range of chemistry and biology modules to students across several undergraduate programmes, including BSc Pharmaceutical Science, Bioanalytical Science, and DNA & Forensic Analysis. He also delivers several modules at Nanjing Tech University China and serves as the Year 1–3 Programme Coordinator for TU876C, the TU Dublin–Nanjing Tech University joint BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science programme.

Dr Lu graduated from the collaborative programme between Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and Nanjing Tech University with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued postgraduate research at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) under the supervision of Professor John Gilmer, where he was awarded a PhD in Pharmaceutical Science in 2021. He subsequently undertook 1.5 years of postdoctoral research in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at TCD under the supervision of Professor Richard K. Porter.

His research interests lie at the interface of medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, cancer cell biology, and analytical characterisation, with particular emphasis on the following areas:

I. Drug Effects on Cancer Cell Metabolism and Phenotype

His research investigates the effects of bioactive compounds on cellular metabolism, proliferation, and cancer-associated phenotypes, including cell migration, invasion, and anoikis, using brain cancer cell lines and specific gene-knockout cell models. This work has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications, with further studies currently in preparation. His current research also includes collaborations with Artelo Biosciences UK and research teams at Xiamen University China.

II. Chemical Biology and Metabolism of Bile Acid Derivatives

His research investigates the chemical biology of bile acid derivatives and prodrugs, with particular emphasis on how structural modification and metabolism of bile acids influence their biological activity and cytotoxicity in cancer cells. His work on the epimerisation of bile acids into different stereoisomers resulted in a publication in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease. His ongoing research includes the study of muricholic acids and their potential applications in cancer treatment.

III. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

Dr Lu works with Dr Brian Murray in the operation and management of the 300 MHz and 500 MHz NMR facilities at TU Dublin's Tallaght Campus. His work includes the application of NMR spectroscopy to structural characterisation and chemical analysis, as well as providing analytical support for undergraduate projects and postgraduate research at Master's and PhD levels.