A recent breakthrough in genetics may have discovered why people with Down’s syndrome are less prone to breast and lung cancer than the rest of the population. People who are diagnosed with Down’s syndrome are known to have an extra copy of a gene on chromosome 21, meaning they have 3 copies of the chromosome rather than 2. A gene on chromosome 21 called DSCRI is involved in controlling tumour growth. They then tested mice with 3 genes to find out if the extra copy gave them extra protection against cancer.
It was found that the tumours that grew in these mice grew 50% more slowly than those in healthy mice, which indicated that the extra copy of the gene resulted in extra protection against tumour growth. To determine if these results also applied to humans, human stem cells were injected into mice. Results found that 60% fewer blood vessels surrounding tumour-like tissue grown from Down’s stem cells than those from other volunteers. Researchers now suggest that the extra copy of DSCRI blocks signals from the tumour that recruit vital blood vessels, and could be a potential drug target.
Source of original article: New Scientist http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227094.900-extra-gene-fights-cancer-in-downs.html Magazine issue 2709, accessed 30/05/09
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