John Svaren, PhD | SAB Chair

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Madison, Wisconsin

John Svaren’s laboratory investigates the role of transcriptional and epigenomic changes in the dynamic reprogramming of Schwann cells during development and after nerve injury, as Schwann cells play multiple pro-regenerative roles. Our studies also include translational projects related to peripheral neuropathy as we have been engaged in identifying regulatory elements in the human PMP22 gene, which is duplicated in one of the most common forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The latter studies include development of drug screening assays, and genomic/epigenomic studies of peripheral neuropathy, with a focus on the most prevalent form of CMT (CMT1A). Finally, the investigations of gene networks involved in Schwann cell homeostasis and peripheral neuropathy have contributed to development of biomarkers that can be used in clinical trials for CMT.