Dr. Peter L. Davies

Professor, Department of Biochemistry; Canada Research Chair in Protein Engineering

Dr. Peter Davies is a world leader in the study of antifreeze proteins, their molecular biology and their biochemistry. He joined Queen's University as an Assistant Professor and Medical Research Council Scholar in 1977. He is currently a full professor in the Department of Biochemistry and holds a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Protein Engineering (2003-2010). He has a cross-appointment in the Department of Biology.

Current research focus: The study of proteins and the relationship between their structure and function, especially with reference to antifreeze proteins and proteases.

Antifreeze proteins (AFP) have been found in fish, insects, plants, fungi and bacteria. They have the remarkable ability to bind to ice and stop it from growing, and are used by these organisms either to help prevent freezing or to lessen the damage done if they do freeze. These activities have potential use in medicine, biotechnology and agriculture. AFP are being used experimentally to kill cells during cryosurgery, to extend the "shelf-life" of organs for transplantation, to preserve tissues and cells at low temperatures, and to help understand how crystals (bones, kidney stones etc.) are formed and controlled in the body. The Davies lab recently found novel AFPs in fish, snow fleas and Antarctic bacteria that will help understand how these very diverse proteins have evolved in the face of intense natural selection caused by climate change.

Calpains are enzymes that are regulated by calcium ions to cut other proteins in a selective and highly controlled way. This is a normal and essential process required for cell functions like motility, cell division, and developmental changes. However, in stroke, blunt trauma or heart attack, where the circulation is interrupted, or in Alzheimer's disease, calcium levels rise in the cell. This triggers the calpains to become hyperactive and unregulated. They in turn unleash a cascade of other enzymes that causes extensive damage to the affected tissues. Davies and colleagues have discovered a way to look at the structure of calpain in the presence of calcium, which was not possible before. This will facilitate the development of new and improved inhibitors/drugs to lessen the tissue damage that occurs as a consequence of stroke, heart attacks and neurodegeneration.

Home page: crystal.biochem.queensu.ca/DaviesWeb

For further information, please contact Dr. Peter L. Davies using the Email contact form or by phone at 613 533-2983