Professor Benjamin Simons

My group is interested in understanding the factors controlling stem and progenitor cell fate in the late stage development and maintenance of tissues, and the pathways leading to diseased states. To resolve the functional behaviour of cell populations, we develop mathematical approaches inspired by studies in statistical physics to address genetic lineage tracing data in transgenic animal models. Among areas of interest, we are collaborating with Cedric Blanpain (Brussels) to investigate the early lineage specification of heart. Using a multicolour labelling strategy, we are investigating the potency and lineage potential of Mesp1 expressing cells.