Walid A. Houry

Dr. Walid A. Houry is a Professor at the University of Toronto, holding appointments in both the Department of Biochemistry and Department of Chemistry. He obtained his MSc (1991) and PhD (1996) from Cornell University, followed by postdoctoral training at the Sloan-Kettering Institute and Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry.

His research focuses on

• Cellular stress responses
• Molecular chaperones and ATP-dependent proteases
• Protein folding/degradation mechanisms
• Cancer biology and bacterial infectivity
• Drug discovery targeting proteostasis

His recent work emphasizes structural analysis of chaperone complexes, protease activation mechanisms, and development of anticancer/antibacterial compounds.

Scientific Awards:

• Sigma Xi (2021)
• Faculty Opinions (2018)
• Tokyo Biochemical Research Foundation Award (2011)
• CIHR New Investigator (2001-2006)
• Max-Planck and HHMI fellowships

The Houry Lab investigates cellular protein homeostasis through structural, biochemical, and genomic approaches, with active projects on R2TP chaperone scaffolding, ClpXP protease dynamics, and chaperone network mapping. They collaborate across disciplines to develop novel therapeutics.