May 23 2009
Fun Science Fact: An Upside to Down Syndrome
Individuals with Down Syndrome very rarely get cancer. Their overall rate is less than 10% of the general population! If there is a bit of a silver lining to this chromosomal disorder, that might be it (or at least one thread to a multi-threaded lining).
Researchers are looking into the reason for the lower rate. Down Syndrome is caused by having an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. And it seems that is a clue. According to a EurekaAlert post about new research, it was previously speculated that -
they might be benefiting from a gene that blocks angiogenesis, the development of blood vessels essential for cancer’s growth, since their incidence of other angiogenesis-related diseases like macular degeneration is also lower.
It now seems the speculation was on target. The new research, consisting of experiments on mice and human cells, has confirmed the idea. Rather than an “amen” from the congregation, can I get an ovation for those diligent researchers?!
Could this lead to new cancer treatments or perhaps a preventative vaccine of sorts?
Sorry . . . I can’t resist getting on my soapbox. (I don’t have an altar to stand behind.) Rather than preachers, it is the work of scientists that provides the vast majority of “blessings” our civilization now enjoys.
[...] I argued in the post, Fun Science Fact: An Upside to Down Syndrome, sometimes (often?) a genetic abnormality brings some good with the bad. Research recently [...]