Explanation of Down syndrome more complex than expected

2005/01/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Genetika

Down syndrome is thought to be due to a small group of genes. The vast majority of those affected by Down syndrome have three chromosomes 21 instead of two, a group of genes repeated in those affected. Therefore, for 30 years it has been considered that this group of genes is the cause of the syndrome.

However, this conviction is altered by research published by the scientific journal Science. Research has been done with mice, but it seems that the results also serve humans. According to the study, the repetition of this gene group in three chromosomes is not enough to cause the syndrome.

Thus, the researchers conclude that the cause of the syndrome is more complex than this, and that it can be the result of the interaction between the genes. So, instead of looking for the motor genes one by one, we think you have to look at the whole system.

Researchers have drawn another conclusion: In the case of Down syndrome, gene therapy does not seem a simple solution, as it will not be as simple as 'muting' a single gene.