UVA Medical researchers find possible molecular issue in Down syndrome development

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have found lack of development of a particular molecule essential for central nervous system development and function could cause faulty brain circuits seen in Down syndrome individuals.

Researcher Ashley N. Brandebura, who was part of the research team while at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and is now part of the University of Virginia School of Medicine said this study “serves as proof-of-concept that we can target astrocytes, a cell type in the brain specialized for secreting synapse-modulating molecules, to rewire the brain circuity at adult ages”.

She said this is still far off from use in humans, “But it gives hope that secreted molecules can be delivered with effective gene therapies, or potentially protein infusions, to improve quality of life in Down syndrome and other neurological diseases.”…

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