A new study published in Journal eLife reports that a class of anti-cancer drugs may be able to prevent brain disorders, including Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.
Down syndrome and Fragile X are the two most prevalent genetic causes of intellectual disabilities. An extra copy of chromosome 21 causes down syndrome, while Fragile X is caused by a mutation in a single gene.
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder among children commonly born to older mothers. The condition is also known as 'Up syndrome' because of the cheerful persona of the Down children.
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In a series of experiments outlined in the study, the researchers showed that the Dscam protein activates another protein known as Abelson tyrosine kinase (Abl).
The scientists then took genetically modified flies that produced high levels of Dscam and gave them the cancer drug, which acts by blocking the action of Abl.
![An Indian Approach to Improve the Lives of Individuals With Down Syndrome]( "An Indian Approach to Improve the Lives of Individuals With Down Syndrome")
A special school for Down Syndrome persons in India restores natural rights and dignity to affected persons breaking the prevalent myth that individuals living with Down syndrome are 'less than human'.
The researcher found that giving the leukemia drugs nilotinib or bafetinib to fly larvae with Fragile X-like symptoms prevented the wild overgrowth of cell problems associated with the disorder.
"This study proposes a potential therapeutic approach for treating brain disorders associated with deregulated expression of the Dscam protein, which is seen in both Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome," said senior study author Bing Ye from University of Michigan in the US.
"Although there is an amazing amount of similarity between flies and humans, more study is needed before we'll know if this could be a safe and effective treatment for human patients," Ye noted.
Source: Medindia
An Indian Approach to Improve the Lives of Individuals With Down Syndrome
A special school for Down Syndrome persons in India restores natural rights and dignity to affected persons breaking the prevalent myth that individuals living with Down syndrome are 'less than human'.
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The researcher found that giving the leukemia drugs nilotinib or bafetinib to fly larvae with Fragile X-like symptoms prevented the wild overgrowth of cell problems associated with the disorder.
"This study proposes a potential therapeutic approach for treating brain disorders associated with deregulated expression of the Dscam protein, which is seen in both Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome," said senior study author Bing Ye from University of Michigan in the US.
"Although there is an amazing amount of similarity between flies and humans, more study is needed before we'll know if this could be a safe and effective treatment for human patients," Ye noted.
Source: Medindia
A Special Day With Down Syndrome
Time spent at the day care centre of the Down's Syndrome Association of India can be a lesson in humility and gratitude.
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 Caring for Children With Down Syndrome - Myths DebunkedInterview with Dr. Rekha Ramachandran a pioneer on Down Syndrome who runs a support group for and raises public awareness on this condition. | Advertisement
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