The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Our research program involves studies on the role of antifreeze glycopeptides and peptides (AFGPs and AFPs) in the freezing avoidance of cold-water fishes. Specific aspects are studies of the mechanism of AFGPs and AFPs in inhibiting ice crystal growth and recrystallization, primary and 3-dimensional structures of AFGPs and AFPs to determine structure-function relationships, the physiology of AFGPs and AFPs, and the organization and expression of the antifreeze gene. The use of antifreeze proteins in preventing the growth of large ice crystals (inhibition of recrystallization) in frozen foods, and cryomedial preservation are long term goals.