Faculty Research

Clive Svendsen

Lab Location: Waisman Center
Web: Stem Cell Research at the Waisman Center

Contact Info:
Waisman Center
1500 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: 608.265.8668
Email: svendsen@waisman.wisc.edu
Faculty Profile: Dr. Svendsen
Publications: PubMed

Research

Neural stem cells are cells isolated from developing brain that are destined to become the different cells of the brain. Unlike embryonic stem (ES) cells, neural stem cells cannot be directed to become other tissue cells, such as pancreas and heart. The Svendsen lab uses these neural stem cells to study: 1) how the brain develops and 2) how these cells can be manipulated to be used as therapeutics for neurodegenerative disease.

Brain Development

So much is yet unknown about how the brain develops. By isolating and studying neural stem cells in the culture dish, we can examine the steps these cells take to become the mature cells of the brain. We can grow human neural stem cells for long periods of time and can direct them to form nerve cells as well as glia, or supporting cells of the brain.

We also use this culture system to model brain development in developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome and Fragile X. In both of these syndromes, mistakes in brain development lead to mental retardation. For example, by comparing the development of control neural stem cells to those that carry Trisomy 21, we can learn about what may be different in brain development in Down Syndrome and learn more about brain development in general.

Neural stem cells are also being genetically engineered to carry genetic mutations that cause neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's Disease and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). We can then study the behavior of these neural stem cells to discover why these cells die during disease.

Application to Neurodegenerative Diseases

Our research is focused on the hope that neural stem cells can be used to restore function in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease). We are currently using a two-pronged approach to this end. First, we are assessing the ability of neural stem cells to replace dying nerve cells in these diseases. Second, we are genetically engineering neural stem cells to produce a drug (GDNF, glial derived neurotrophic factor) that can protect dying neurons. The neural stem cells can be transplanted into the brain and act as a drug pump to protect diseased nerve cells.