Dr. John Svaren

Biography

John Svaren is a Professor at the UW Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on the peripheral nervous system, particularly in relation to genetic and environmental conditions that cause peripheral nerve disorders, such as diabetic neuropathy. His laboratory investigates the role of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and studies the genetic neuropathies and traumatic nerve injuries. He has contributed significantly to distinguishing diabetic neuropathy from genetic neuropathy, elucidating the pathological mechanisms that involve metabolic changes affecting axoglial homeostasis. A notable aspect of his work includes identifying neuropathies caused by mutations in the SORD gene, which underscores the mechanistic link to increased sorbitol levels seen in diabetic neuropathy. Currently, he is researching the effects of EPA and DHA in mouse models of neuropathy, showing potential benefits in peripheral nerve injury and diabetic neuropathy models. He is keen on fostering collaborative research within the Wisconsin Diabetes Research Center, focusing on high-fat diet models that mimic the key factors driving diabetic neuropathy and associated hyperglycemia.

Research Interests