Peterson's research focuses on understanding how the Hedgehog signaling pathway and GLI family of transcription factors regulate gene expression to pattern structures (e.g. neural tube, limb, and mandible) during mammalian development. This work leverages novel genetic tools and incorporates a variety of multi-omic approaches (genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic) to elucidate gene regulatory mechanisms.
Additionally, as a member of Genetic Resource Sciences at The Jackson Laboratory, he applies cutting-edge genetic engineering approaches to perform resource-generating research that has broad impact on the scientific community. This work includes utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for the large-scale generation of over 1500 null alleles for the Knockout Mouse Phenotyping Program (as part of the International Mammalian Phenotyping Consortium), and to create new models for The JAX Center for Precision Genetics.