Ben Allen, Ph.D.

Research in the Allen Lab is broadly focused on understanding the mechanisms of growth factor and morphogen signaling in development and disease. Specifically, we study the regulation of Hedgehog signaling during embryonic and postnatal development, as well as adult tissue homeostasis, repair and regeneration. Our research employs a wide range of approaches, including mouse genetics, chicken in ovo electroporations, biochemistry, and cell biology. The long-term goal of this work is to apply insights gained from the study of HH signaling in normal contexts to the treatment of a broad spectrum of HH-driven developmental diseases and childhood and adult cancers.