Peter Agre

Peter Agre was born on January 30, 1949, in Northfield, Minnesota, United States. He grew up in a Lutheran family and attended Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis. From an early age, he was interested in science, influenced by his father, who was a chemistry professor. Agre went on to study chemistry at Augsburg College before attending medical school.

In 1974, Peter Agre graduated from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, earning his M.D. degree. During his medical education, Agre developed an interest in clinical investigation and biomedical research, laying the foundation for his future scientific contributions. His time at Johns Hopkins was instrumental in shaping his career path and establishing him as a promising researcher in the field of medicine.

In 1981, Peter Agre was involved in early research on programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. This research became crucial in understanding how cells regulate their own death, which is a vital process in development and disease prevention. Apoptosis plays a key role in preventing cancer by eliminating damaged or unwanted cells, highlighting the importance of this research in medical science.

In 1984, Peter Agre joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins University, where he embarked on a distinguished research and teaching career. At Johns Hopkins, Agre conducted pivotal research that led to the discovery of aquaporins, significantly advancing the understanding of cellular water transport. His work has been widely recognized and has contributed to the university's reputation as a leading center for medical research.

In 1987, Peter Agre was part of the research team that identified the gene encoding Aquaporin-1. This discovery preceded the actual identification of the protein itself and was integral in the study of water channels. Understanding the genetic basis of Aquaporin-1 provided new insights into its function and regulation, offering potential therapeutic targets for disorders related to water balance in the body.

In 1992, Peter Agre's research group made the groundbreaking discovery of Aquaporin-1, the first identified water channel protein. This discovery was a major scientific breakthrough that provided insight into the molecular basis of water transport in cells, which is essential for numerous physiological processes. Aquaporin-1 plays a crucial role in kidney function, and this discovery has had wide-reaching implications in medical research.

In 2000, Peter Agre was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors a scientist can receive. This recognition was in response to his significant contributions to the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly his discovery of water channel proteins. Membership in the National Academy of Sciences is a testament to a scientist's impact, reputation, and contribution to advancing their field.

On October 8, 2003, Peter Agre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Roderick MacKinnon. Agre received the award for his discovery of aquaporins, which are channels in cell membranes that allow water molecules to move in and out of cells. This groundbreaking work in understanding how water transport occurs across cell membranes has had significant implications in biology and medicine.

In December 2009, Peter Agre became the president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the world's largest and most prestigious scientific organizations. During his tenure, Agre advocated for science education, public engagement with science, and policies supporting scientific research. His leadership emphasized the importance of scientific collaboration and the global role of science in addressing societal challenges.

By 2016, Peter Agre had expanded his research to include studies on malaria and global health, focusing on how aquaporins affect malaria parasites. His work aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms of malaria, one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, and to find potential new ways to combat it. This research reflects Agre's commitment to applying scientific discoveries to real-world health challenges.