Ben Braun

Ben Braun, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. His research and clinical work are centered at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, where he focuses on pediatric hematologic malignancies, particularly juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and other myeloid neoplasms.

Dr. Braun earned his BA in Molecular Biology from Princeton University in 1990, followed by both an MD and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1998. His training laid the foundation for a career bridging clinical pediatrics and molecular oncology research.

His research primarily investigates the mechanisms linking RAS signaling to disordered hematopoiesis and myeloid neoplasia. He uses genetically engineered mouse models and translational approaches to study oncogenic Kras, Nf1, and other mutations that drive leukemogenesis. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of JMML and related disorders. He has been the Principal Investigator on NIH-funded projects, including an R01 grant (R01CA173085) and a K08 award (K08CA103868), and has contributed to a large body of literature on pediatric leukemias and signaling pathways.

Analysis of his recent publications (2023–2025) reveals a continued focus on targeted therapies and molecular mechanisms in pediatric cancers. Key themes include the use of venetoclax for hypodiploid ALL, thrombopoietin agonists for thrombocytopenia, cellular immunotherapy targeting CLL-1 in JMML, and mechanisms of resistance to menin inhibitors in AML. His work spans preclinical models and clinical applications, demonstrating a strong commitment to translational research.

Dr. Braun has collaborated extensively with leading researchers in the field, including Drs. Kevin Shannon, Mignon Loh, and Elliot Stieglitz. His network reflects deep integration within the pediatric oncology and molecular hematology research communities.

He has made significant contributions to understanding RAS pathway mutations, mouse models of myeloproliferative disorders, and the molecular basis of JMML. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Genetics, Blood, Cancer Discovery, and Nature Communications.

Dr. Braun leads a research laboratory focused on hematopoietic stem cells and leukemogenesis. His team utilizes advanced techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and preclinical modeling to investigate the pathogenesis of childhood leukemias and to identify novel therapeutic strategies.