A long-term interest of the Hilton lab is to uncover the molecular circuitry regulating lineage commitment, proliferation, and differentiation of skeletal stem cells, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. My laboratory uses genetic mouse models and primary cell culture techniques coupled with biochemistry to answer questions regarding skeletal stem cell self-renewal/differentiation, chondrogenesis, and osteoblastogenesis. Recently my lab has generated novel data from a variety of Notch gain and loss-of-function mutant mice demonstrating the importance of Notch signaling in each of these processes. We are currently investigating the exact Notch signaling mechanisms at play during skeletal development, disease, and repair. Additional studies are also focused on identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying various congenital skeletal pathologies, including Multiple Herediatry Exostoses (MHE) and Preaxial Polydactyly (PPD).