Cluster focus

This cluster is based at the Waisman Center and strives to link state-of-the-art basic research programs with their potential clinical benefits. Cluster faculty focus on stem cell biology and gene therapy modalities for treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. These disorders include Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury, leukodystrophies, muscular dystrophy, and other neurological and developmental disorders. This cluster also provides basic and clinical science training opportunities that engage other departments, including anatomy, genetics, neurology, pharmacology and psychiatry. The cluster benefits from new laboratory space in the Waisman Center, including the FDA-approved Waisman Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility.

Cluster accomplishments

  • Two of the three cluster faculty members have had significant involvement the NIH Stem Cell Training Grant and one is the project's principal investigator. This training program has expanded outside the Waisman Center and now includes trainers from many different disciplines, including the Law School, the La Follette School of Public Affairs, and the departments of oncology and ophthalmology.
  • Cluster faculty are also active at the national and state levels, providing information and testimony about embryonic stem cell research technology and the discussing concerns related to the legal efforts to prohibit research on new stem cell lines.
  • In conjunction with WiCell Research Institute and the Waisman biomanufacturing facility, cluster faculty participate in the National Stem Cell Distribution Bank funded by the National Institutes of Health.
  • Cluster faculty played a large role in a recent symposium on the Mechanisms of Network Function in Spinal Cord-Brainstem, which attracted participants and presenters to Madison from all over the world.

Cluster structure

Cluster faculty are members of the Molecular and Genetic Sciences Group at the Waisman Center, with one cluster faculty member serving as coordinator of the group. The cluster faculty have developed strong research connections with the Wisconsin Stem Cell Research Program.

Cluster coordinator, faculty and lead dean

Cluster Coordinators

Cluster Faculty

Lead Dean