Article #6: Cancer Cures Possibly found in Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder where people born with it have an extra copy of genetic material (either a whole or part) on the 21st chromosome. Individuals with Down Syndrome have mental retardation and other serious abnormalities that affects the body system, it is rare that they will develop cancer in their lifetime. Because studies have suggested that these individuals have a lower incidence of colon, breast, and other solid tumor cancers, researchers have long wondered whether one of these extra genes might confer protection (Miller 2009). One geneticist from Johns Hopkins University isolated a mice version of the triplacted gene called Ets2 and found that it suppressed tumor growth in mice but the mechanism is unclear whether it prevents cancer.

Another cancer researcher found that a protein to make one of the genes on the 21st chromosome called DSCR1 interferes with blood vessel formation, also known as angiogenesis. Inhibiting angiogenesis prevents tumor growth so they wondered if this may be the reason why individuals with Down Syndrome are less likely to develop cancers.

Ets2 and DSCR1 both have different mechanisms of protection but they seem to be effective. One is more effective in the earlier stages before tumor development and the other inhibits the growth of tumor. Today researchers are working on preventative measures using these genes found in Down Syndrome individuals, especially DSCR1 that inhibits angiogenesis, to develop low-dose anticancer drugs like vitamins that would help reduce the chances of developing cancer.

Citation Information
Miller, Greg. 2009 “New Clue to Cancer Protection in Down Syndrome" ScienceNOW Daily News[Internet] Washington DC and Cambridge, UK: High Wire Press; 2009 [cited 2009 May 25]. Available from http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/520/2