Bioengineer receives NSF award for stem cell research

Jun. 2, 2008
Charleston Regional Business Journal
By Daily Journal Staff
A bioengineer in Charleston has received a $400,000 National Science Foundation award for his “novel” approach to stem cell research.

Xuejun Wen, who works at the Clemson University-Medical University of South Carolina Bioengineering Program in Charleston, specializes in inducing human stem cells to become different types of cells in an effort to cure diseases and injuries such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart and brain strokes and spinal cord injuries.

“Many researchers are developing stem cell-based technologies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease; however, stem cell transplantation is greatly hampered by poor cell survival once stem cells are put into place,” Wen said.

Past research has led to international recognition and funding from organizations such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

“My novel strategy, funded by NSF, is based on the idea of manipulation of the brain’s microenvironment before the stem cell transplantation and then afterwards to create a niche suitable for the long-term survival and function of the transplanted cells,” he said.

Wen said the cause of low viability of the transplanted stem cells may be inflammatory responses, immune responses, the lack of blood vessel support and the local microenvironment.

“The strategy we will study aims to overcome these difficulties and ultimately improve the long-term survival and functionality of transplanted cells,” said Wen.

The Faculty Early Career Development Program offers the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious awards in support of the early career-development activities of teacher-scholars who most effectively integrate research and education within the mission of their organization. 		related information