DATE: June 02, 2008

CONTACT: Xuejun Wen, (843) 792-5875
xjwen@clemson.edu

WRITER: Susan Polowczuk, (864) 656-2063
spolowc@clemson.edu

Clemson bioengineer receives NSF CAREER award for stem cell-viability research

CLEMSON — Stem cell-viability research has gotten a boost with a $400,000 National Science Foundation CAREER Award to Clemson University bioengineering professor Xuejun Wen. 

“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,” said Wen. “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.”  

Wen works at the Charleston branch of the Clemson bioengineering department with the Clemson University-Medical University of South Carolina (CU-MUSC) Bioengineering Program. His lab specializes in inducing human stem cells into different types of cells aimed at curing diseases and injuries such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart and brain strokes and spinal cord injuries. Past research has led to international recognition and funding from organizations such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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 (CAREER) 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 context of the mission of their organization. The award description states the activities should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of integrated contributions to research and education.

Bioengineering, sometimes called biomedical engineering, involves the application of science, mathematics and engineering principles to biomedical systems. A key goal of bioengineers is to develop devices, processes and biotechnologies to improve medical practice and health-care delivery.

Clemson’s bioengineering program began in 1963 with a Ph.D. program. A master’s degree program was added in 1966 and an undergraduate program was added in 2006. Clemson has formed a strategic partnership with MUSC and the Greenville Hospital System in recent years. 

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