TMU Professor Ya-Tin Lin Receives IUPS

Dr. Ya-Tin Lin, Assistant Professor at the Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University (TMU), has been awarded the 2024 Early-Stage Faculty Prize by the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS).

She is the first scholar from an Asian academic institution to receive this honor, which is a significant recognition of Taiwan’s growing influence in global physiological research.

The IUPS, representing physiological societies from over 60 countries, is the world’s most recognized academic organization in physiology. It is dedicated to promoting the advancement of physiological research and teaching, while fostering platforms for international exchange. The IUPS International Early-Stage Faculty Prize recognizes up to four promising young scholars each year, selected for the quality of their research contributions, dedication to teaching, and engagement in academic development.

Dr. Lin’s research focuses on neuronal regulation of metabolism, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases. Her research team has conducted extensive studies on neuropeptide FF (NPFF), investigating its physiological roles in energy homeostasis, pain transmission, and stress responses. A key discovery revealed that NPFF receptor type 2 (NPFFR2) is co-expressed with insulin receptors in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, and its activation impaired the hypothalamic insulin downstream signaling. Notably, modulating NPFFR2 significantly impacts obesity- and diabetes-related metabolic dysfunctions, offering new directions for clinical treatment strategies. Parts of the findings were published in Clinical Nutrition, entitled “Hypothalamic NPFFR2 attenuates central insulin signaling and its knockout diminishes metabolic dysfunction in mouse models of diabetes mellitus”.

In addition to research relating to metabolic disorders, Dr. Lin also conducted pioneering research on the use of focused ultrasound for pain management. Her research demonstrated that low-intensity focused ultrasound can activate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the dorsal root ganglion, which further reduces the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) cascade, and relieve chronic and neuropathic pain. Her study, titled “Stimulation of dorsal root ganglion with low-intensity focused ultrasound ameliorates pain responses through the GABA inhibitory pathway”, was published in Life Sciences and showcases significant clinical translation potential.

Beyond her research achievements, Dr. Lin serves as the Secretary-General of the Chinese Physiological Society, where she contributes significantly to the society’s efforts to foster Taiwan’s international links in physiology, strengthen physiology education, and advance research in the field. As a recipient of the 2024 IUPS International Early-Stage Faculty Prize, Dr. Lin is recognized not only for her innovative contributions to science but also for marking a significant milestone for TMU in the global academic community. This recognition further strengthens Taiwan’s international academic presence and fosters deeper collaboration in translational studies.