A pioneer in the field of epigenetics, Dr. Jones uncovered basic mechanisms of DNA methylation and its role in cancer. He discovered that 5-azacytidine can induce changes in gene expression and act as a powerful DNA methylation inhibitor, which led to the isolation of the first mammalian determination gene and to the discovery of tumor suppressor genes that are epigenetically silenced in human cancer. The drug 5-azacytadine has been approved for use in treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome.
Dr. Jones’ collaborative research has led to delineating molecular pathways in the development of bladder cancer, the realization that DNA methylation sites are hotspots for cancer-causing mutations and that epigenetic silencing plays a major role in carcinogenesis. He helped establish the International Human Epigenome consortium and co-directs the Van Andel Research Institute ‘stand Up To Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team, which aims to move promising combination therapies for cancer into clinical trials.
Career Highlights
2017 Elected Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences2017 Outstanding Investigator Award, National Cancer Institute
2016 Elected Member, National Academy of Sciences
2011 Medal of Honor, American Cancer Society
2010 Elected Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science
2009 AACR-Kirk A. Landon Prize for Basic Cancer Research
2008 Oettle Award, Cancer Association of South Africa
2008 David Workman Memorial Award, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
2005-2006 President, AACR
2001 Simon M. Shubitz Award, University of Chicago Cancer Research Center
1999 Distinguished Professor, University of Southern California
1993-2011 Director, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
1991-1994 Associate Dean for Academic and Scientific Affairs, University of Southern California School of Medicine
1989-1992 Board of Directors, AACR
1983 D.Sc., University of Zimbabwe
1983 Associates Award for Creativity in Research and Scholarship, University of Southern California
1973 PhD, University of London