About Us
The Walensky laboratory specializes in the chemical biology of deregulated apoptotic, transcriptional, and metabolic pathways in cancer, emphasizing the chemical, structural, and cell biology of the BCL-2 family signaling network. To facilitate our research, we have developed and applied stapled peptides that preserve the structure of biologically-active domains. These peptides hold great promise as new chemical probes and prototype therapeutics to dissect and target the BCL-2 family and other pathologic signaling pathways.
The overarching goals of the Walensky laboratory are to (1) operate at the interface of chemistry, biology, biotechnology, and translational medicine to drive fundamental basic science discovery, (2) provide a vibrant and multidisciplinary laboratory environment for postdoctoral and graduate training, and (3) maintain laser focus on harnessing the fresh scientific insights and trainee talent to advance new treatments for our patients.
News and Publications
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September 29, 2025
Congratulations to Tommy DeAngelo and the lab team on uncovering how venetoclax-resistance mutations alter BCL-2 conformation—and how stapled BAD BH3 helices can overcome these structural barriers to BCL-2 blockade. Lead stapled peptides preserve and even enhance binding across clinical variants, including through compensatory interactions of the hydrocarbon staple itself. The insights provide a blueprint for designing next-generation BCL-2 inhibitors capable of overcoming venetoclax resistance.
Click here to read the paper.
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July 26, 2024
Congratulations to Sophia Tang and the entire collaborative team from the Walensky and Segal labs on the publication of a new strategy to tackle chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy by targeting the IP3 receptor with a BCL-w BH4 mimetic.
Click here to read the paper.
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January 17, 2024
Congratulations to Matt McHenry on the publication of his PhD thesis research on the discovery of a small molecule covalent inhibitor of pro-apoptotic BAX, providing a blueprint for the development of therapeutics that can protect cells from premature or unwanted cell death.
Click here to read the paper.
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January 9, 2024
Loren Walensky is interviewed by Kerry Kavanaugh of Boston 25 News about the lab’s novel stapled lipopeptide inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2.
Click here to watch the video.
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January 4, 2024
Congratulations to Greg Bird and the entire collaborative team on advancing our stapled lipopeptide platform to combat highly pathogenic respiratory and hemorrhagic fever viruses of pandemic potential.
Click here to read the paper.
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October 31, 2023
Congratulations to Tito Adhikary on the publication of his PhD thesis research study that reports a noncanonical role for MCL-1 in the regulation of DNA integrity and cell cycle progression.
Click here to read the paper.
