Specific genes which affect learning ability in Down’s syndrome

Professor Matthew Walker (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) explains: "We have shown - for the first time - that different and multiple genes are contributing to the various cognitive problems associated with Down's syndrome." Down's syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs in about 1 in 800 births. It's caused by having three copies of genes - rather than the usual two - on human chromosome 21. Down's syndrome is associated with physical growth delays, and people with the condition might face problems in memory function, planning, and decision-making. Although we know Down's syndrome is caused by genes on human chromosome 21, we don't know which genes cause learning disability when they are present in the three chromosomal copies - which is what our team of researchers wanted to find out. Our study found out that multiple different genes on chromosome 21 contribute to learning and memory problems in people with Down's syndrome. We used mouse models to conduct our study, as groups of genes found on three different chromosomes in mice are comparable to those on human chromosome 21.