Down syndrome helps fight cancer

People with Down syndrome rarely get cancer. Understanding the cause of this phenomenon, American scientists agreed that it was because they had more than one type of tumor suppressor gene, the tumor had access to nutrition.

Nature on Wednesday published the results of this research group. Accordingly, this result may lead to the discovery of a new cancer treatment method; At the same time further research on Down patients also revealed new ways to fight tumors and tumors.

Researchers at Harvard University and elsewhere take advantage of a type of embryonic-like stem cells called stem-cell stem cells or iPS cells. These cells, made from the skin, can be modified to function as stem cells - the body's stem cells.

By using a volunteer's iPS cell with Down syndrome and genetically modified mice in the same conditions, the researchers showed exactly the type of gene that protected the body from tumors and tumors.

They write, 'It seems that the group of Down syndrome gives us a better insight into the mechanism that regulates cancer development.'

Down syndrome causes physical and mental retardation; About 1: 700 newborns are sick.

The theory of Down syndrome was recently passed by a Harvard doctor, Judah Folkman, last year. His name is also the name of this study. He developed the theory of how tumors create blood vessels to feed themselves during angiogenesis.

Reuters - The model of all chromosomes in a cell indicates that Down's patients have 3, not 2 chromosomes 21 as usual. (Photo: Maggie Fox - Health and science editor)

GENETIC GEN

Folkman realized that Down patients rarely had cancer, except for leukemia. He questioned whether it was possible to explain the cause from the perspective of genetic research. Research on 18,000 Down patients showed that their incidence of cancer was 10% compared to the estimate.

Down patients have 3 chromosomes 21 instead of 2 chromosomes in normal people. This caused them to have copies of 231 other genes on chromosome 21.

Ryeom Sandra from Harvard and colleagues said 'Such a gene could be in zone 1 (DSCR1 or RCAN1) in people with Down syndrome.'

This gene encodes a protein that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - one of the compounds required for angiogenesis.

According to scientists, Down and genetically modified mice had more DSCR1 protein than normal. Genetically modified mice have additional copies of DSCR1 that are resistant to tumors.

DSCR1 affects a substance, has long been the focus of cancer research, called calcineurin.

Researchers say 'These data help explain the mechanism of reducing cancer incidence in patients with Down.'

The study also shows three potential subjects for cancer prevention and treatment. That is calcuneurin and 2 types of genes that control DSCR1 and DYRK1A.

People with Down syndrome are less likely to suffer from vascular-related diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease) and atherosclerosis (sclerosis). 'Therefore, part of cancer therapy may include inhibiting angiogenesis.'

The researchers said 'Chromosome 21 contains more than 200 genes, so it is surprising if DSCR1 is the only gene on chromosome 21 that inhibits tumors in Down patients.'