Exploring the epigenetics of the TME

Roisin McGuigan, Editor, Immuno-Oncology Insights, speaks to Jesús M Paramio, Head of the Molecular and Translational Oncology Division CIEMAT & Head of the Cell and Molecular Oncology Group, Institute of Biomedical Investigation University Hospital “12 de octubre” Madrid, Spain

What role do epigenetic modifications play in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and how can further understanding of these epigenetic modifications help to better predict or enhance response to immuno-oncology (I–O) agents? In this interview, Jesús M Paramio, Head of the Molecular and Translational Oncology Division, CIEMAT, discusses his work in bladder cancer, the importance of interdisciplinary research, and the complex epigenetic factors at play within the TME.

Dr Jesús M Paramio studied Biology at the University Autonoma of Madrid and specialized in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1979-84). He got a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the same University in 1992. He then moved to University of Dundee to work in the group of Prof EB Lane in close collaboration with Prof DP Lane and returned to CIEMAT in 1996, where he started new projects on epidermal differentiation, carcinogenesis and cell cycle using transgenic mouse models. In 2000, Jesús went to NIDCR/NIH to study signal transduction processes in epidermal differentiation and carcinogenesis. He then returned to CIEMAT to establish his own group focused on molecular and translational oncology with particular focus on transgenic mouse models and genomic analyses. In 2011, he also started a collaboration with a group of oncologists, pathologists, and urologist to study genitourinary (mainly bladder) cancer, including patient samples in his own studies. In 2014, formed a joint group between CIEMAT and University Hospital 12 de Octubre located at the Hospital and started collaboration with some Pharma companies. His current work is focused on molecular and translational characterization of bladder cancer, including some academic or industry supported clinical trials, although still does some work on other cancer types (head and neck, lung, kidney, ovarian, etc.). Most of his work is focused on aspects of epigenetic plasticity, immunotherapy and personalized medicine approaches.

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