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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.