London scientists have identified a specific region of DNA responsible for causing cognitive impairment and anxiety in people with Down syndrome.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) said that their new insights into chromosome 21 could offer future hopes for a therapeutic treatment for the condition.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in individuals with Down syndrome.
UCL scientists used mouse models to highlight a genetic region carrying genes responsible for memory and behaviour.
The team looked at the effect of extra genes from mouse chromosome 10 that are the same as those on human chromosome 21, on anxiety and memory.
Mice that had been genetically modified to carry an extra copy of 37 distinct genes from mouse chromosome 10 were then compared to a control group of mice from the same litter.
The researchers found that the genetically modified mice had poorer short-term memory than the control group of mice. They also had irregular brain circuitry in the hippocampus, which is known to be crucial for memory.
Lead author, Dr Pishan Chang of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, said: “While the research is currently in mice, it allows us to build up a step-by-step picture of genes in this area and how they might change neuron architecture and function.
“In the future this could help develop a strategy to relieve these features. For, by knowing which genes to target we may be able to consider solutions such as gene therapy or drugs in order to correct abnormal function. And eventually this may allow people with Down syndrome to live more independent lives.”
