Peter A. Jones is a highly influential figure in the field of epigenetics and cancer research. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of DNA methylation and its role in various biological processes, particularly in cancer development and treatment. In 2018 alone, Jones PA, often referred to alongside collaborators as “Peter And Jones” in broader scientific discussions, contributed to several impactful publications that highlight the breadth and depth of his research. This article provides an overview of these key publications from 2018, showcasing the significant contributions of Peter and Jones to the scientific community.
Groundbreaking Studies from Peter A. Jones and Colleagues in 2018
The research output of Peter and Jones in 2018 spanned a range of topics within epigenetics and cancer, demonstrating a continued commitment to exploring novel mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Below is a curated list of publications from that year, reflecting the impactful work of Jones PA and his collaborators.
1. Nucleosome Occupancy and Methylome Sequencing (NOMe-seq)
Lay FD, Kelly TK, Jones PA. 2018. Nucleosome occupancy and methylome sequencing (NOMe-seq). Methods Mol Biol 1708:267-284.
This publication focuses on the NOMe-seq method, a powerful technique for simultaneously assessing nucleosome occupancy and DNA methylation at single-molecule resolution. This methodology is crucial for understanding the interplay between chromatin structure and DNA methylation, both of which are key epigenetic regulators. The article in Methods in Molecular Biology serves as a valuable resource for researchers looking to implement NOMe-seq in their own studies.
2. Azacitidine Combined with Chemotherapy in Childhood Leukemia
Sun W, Triche T Jr, Malvar J, Gaynon P, Sposto R, Yang X, Bittencourt H, Place AE, Messinger Y, Fraser C, Dalla-Pozza L, Salhia B, Jones PA, Wayne AS, Gore L, Cooper TM, Liang G. 2018. A phase 1 study of azacitidine combined with chemotherapy in childhood leukemia: a report from the TACL consortium. Blood131(10):1145-1148.
Peter and Jones‘s work also extends to translational research, as evidenced by this phase 1 clinical study published in Blood. This research investigates the combination of azacitidine, an epigenetic drug, with chemotherapy for childhood leukemia. The study, a report from the TACL consortium, explores the safety and potential efficacy of this combined therapeutic approach, highlighting the efforts to translate epigenetic insights into improved cancer treatments.
3. Mother-Child Transmission of Epigenetic Information
Carpenter BL, Zhou W, Madaj Z, DeWitt AK, Ross JP, Grønbaek K, Liang G, Clark SJ, Molloy PL, Jones PA. 2018. Mother-child transmission of epigenetic information by tunable polymorphic imprinting. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.
Published in PNAS, this intriguing study delves into the fascinating area of epigenetic inheritance. Peter and Jones and colleagues investigated the potential for mother-to-child transmission of epigenetic information through polymorphic imprinting. This research sheds light on the complex mechanisms by which environmental and parental factors can influence the epigenome of offspring, with potential implications for understanding disease susceptibility across generations.
4. Dual Inhibition of DNA and Histone Methyltransferases in Ovarian Cancer
Liu M*, Thomas SL*, DeWitt AK*, Zhou W, Madaj ZB, Ohtani H, Baylin SB, Liang G, Jones PA. 2018. Dual inhibition of DNA and histone methyltransferases increases viral mimicry in ovarian cancer cells. Cancer Res.
This publication in Cancer Research explores the synergistic effects of targeting both DNA and histone methylation in ovarian cancer. Peter and Jones‘s team discovered that dual inhibition of these epigenetic pathways can enhance viral mimicry in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to immune recognition and destruction. This study suggests a novel strategy for epigenetic therapy in ovarian cancer by leveraging the immune system.
5. Phase I Trial of Guadecitabine and Irinotecan in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Lee V, Wang JS, Zahurak ML, Gootjes EC, Verheul HMW, Parkinson RM, Kerner Z, Sharma A, Rosner GL, De Jesus-Acosta A, Laheru DA, Le DT, Oganesian A, Lilly-Foreman E, Brown T, Jones PA, Baylin SB, Ahuja N, Azad NA. 2018. A phase I trial of a guadecitabine (SGI-110) and irinotecan in metastatic colorectal cancer patients previously exposed to irinotecan. Clin Cancer Res.
Another example of translational research, this phase I trial published in Clinical Cancer Research investigates the combination of guadecitabine, another epigenetic drug, with irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. This study, involving Peter and Jones and a broad team of researchers, aimed to assess the safety and tolerability of this drug combination in a challenging patient population who had previously been exposed to irinotecan.
6. Switching Roles for DNA and Histone Methylation in Human Endogenous Retroviruses
Ohtani H*, Liu M*, Zhou W, Liang G, Jones PA. 2018. Switching roles for DNA and histone methylation depend on evolutionary ages of human endogenous retroviruses. Genome Res 28(8):1147–1157.
Published in Genome Research, this study delves into the complex interplay between DNA and histone methylation in the context of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Peter and Jones and colleagues discovered that the roles of these two methylation types can switch depending on the evolutionary age of HERVs. This research provides valuable insights into the epigenetic regulation of repetitive elements in the genome and its evolutionary dynamics.
7. Vitamin C and Regulation of the Cancer Epigenome
Gillberg L, Ørskov AD, Liu M, Harsløf LBS, Jones PA, Grønbæk K. 2018. Vitamin C — A new player in regulation of the cancer epigenome. Semin Cancer Biol 51:59–67.
This review article in Seminars in Cancer Biology explores the emerging role of Vitamin C in regulating the cancer epigenome. Peter and Jones collaborated on this piece, which highlights how Vitamin C can influence epigenetic modifications and potentially impact cancer development and treatment. This review underscores the broader impact of dietary factors on epigenetic processes.
8. DNA Methylation in Neonatal Blood and Association with Childhood BMI and Insulin Sensitivity
Van Dijk SJ, Peters TJ, Buckley M, Zhou J, Jones PA, Gibson RA, Makrides M, Muhlhausler BS, Molloy PL. 2018. DNA methylation in blood from neonatal screening cards and the association with BMI and insulin sensitivity in early childhood. Int J Obes (London) 42(1):28–35.
Published in the International Journal of Obesity, this study investigates the link between DNA methylation at birth and later-life health outcomes. Peter and Jones contributed to this research, which examined DNA methylation patterns in neonatal blood and their association with BMI and insulin sensitivity in early childhood. This work highlights the potential of early-life epigenetic markers to predict future health risks.
Conclusion
The 2018 publications involving Peter and Jones demonstrate a remarkable contribution to the fields of epigenetics and cancer research. From methodological advancements like NOMe-seq to translational studies on epigenetic drugs and fundamental discoveries about epigenetic inheritance and regulation, the work of Jones PA and his collaborators continues to shape our understanding of these critical areas. The breadth of topics covered, ranging from basic mechanisms to clinical applications, underscores the significant and lasting impact of “Peter and Jones” on the scientific community and beyond.
