Recent mouse experiments open up the possibility of reducing the disability associated with Down’s syndrome.
Downs children have an extra copy of chromosome 21 and the syndrome is accompanied by lower intelligence and weaker memory than otherwise.
Down’s enzyme weakened memory and learning ability
A group of researchers at the University of California used mice with Down syndrome to study how the extra chromosome affects protein production in the brain, with a particular focus on the cerebellum, which plays an important role in both memory and learning.
It was found that the protein production of Down’s mice was 39% lower than that of others. And now scientists know why.
This is caused by a type of “quality control” built into the cells that reduces their activity when they detect something abnormal, in this case the extra chromosome.
The scientists then specifically looked at a specific enzyme, called PKR, which plays a key role in quality control.
The discovery should increase the quality of life
They tried to reduce the activity of the enzyme, but also both to deactivate the gene that codes for it and to give the mice drugs to increase the protein production.
All three methods worked. In the learning and memory tests, the mice performed better than before the treatment.
The scientists emphasize that they cannot block all Down’s symptoms, but hope that the discovery will lead to drugs that can improve the quality of life of children with the syndrome.
