Downs syndrome theory shattered (from ATSNN), page 1

Latest research has shattered 30 year old theory that Down syndrome is caused just by the presence of an extra chromosome. Now researchers believe that Down syndrome is caused not just by the presence of the extra chromosome, but by the "interaction of complex genetic and developmental factors," we have yet to master.

news.bbc.co.uk
The US researchers studied mice engineered to have the 'culprit' genes believed to be responsible for causing Down's syndrome.

They told the journal Science that the cause was much more complicated.

Previous studies have supported the idea that extra genes within a critical region of chromosome 21 could be the root of the problem.

But Dr Roger Reeves and his colleagues say this notion can be disproved by measuring Down's syndrome-like characteristics in mice that are genetically engineered to possess the suspect genes.

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As mentioned in the article by Down's Syndrome Association, this is good news, because we now have more clue to what is causing the disorder than very recently.

With more research, we could possibly finally find a cure.

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