Stephen Baylin

Stephen Baylin is one of the most influential epigenetics researchers in cancer, having defined the role of CpG island hypermethylation in silencing tumor suppressor genes across nearly every cancer type. His work established the concept of the cancer CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) and the cancer epigenome as a therapeutic target. He pioneered the combination of DNMT and HDAC inhibitors and demonstrated that epigenetic priming can sensitize tumors to immunotherapy. His foundational contributions have made epigenetic therapy a major pillar of cancer treatment.