Jeffrey M. Peters, PhD
- Professor of Molecular Toxicology & Carcinogenesis
University Park, PA 16802
Education:
- Postdoctoral work, National Cancer Institute, 1995-99
- Postdoctoral work, Institute of Toxicology and Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, 1992-95
- Ph.D., Nutrition Science, University of California, Davis, 1992
- B.S. Dietetics, University of California, Davis, 1985
Biography:
Research:
Our laboratory studies the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in the regulation of homeostasis, toxicology and carcinogenesis with extensive application of null mouse models, highly specific agonists and antagonists. PPARs are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily and are critical modulators of environmental and dietary stimulii. Acting as regulatory transcription factors, the PPARs modulate gene expression of target genes containing peroxisome proliferator responsive elements in response to ligand activation. Numerous genes that modulate lipid metabolism are regulated by PPARα, PPARβ/δ and PPARγ ligands/activators, and are clinically relevant for a number of diseases including diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis and cancer. In addition to transcriptional regulation, PPARs can also epigenetically regulate transcription by interacting with other proteins including NF-κB. Our laboratory uses “knockout” and transgenic mouse models to delineate the roles of PPARs, with a particular interest in epithelial and liver cancer. Our goal is to identify new molecules/proteins that can be targeted with existing approaches to improve the efficacy of chemoprevention and chemotherapy.
