Dr. Jeffrey Peters’ laboratory studies the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). PPARs modulate gene expression through direct and indirect mechanisms. His laboratory group uses genetically modified mouse and human models, high affinity agonists, antagonists and selective, repressive ligands to delineate the roles of PPARs, with a particular interest in cancers. Through their studies, they are elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which exogenous (dietary) and endogenous (metabolic sources) lipids specifically modulate human health. They are particularly interested in delineating how natural compounds can modulate PPARs with the goal of identifying new molecules/proteins that can be targeted with existing approaches to improve the efficacy of chemoprevention and chemotherapy.