ADVERTISEMENT

Cancer drugs shows early success in curbing condition

A new study has shown that a class of drugs normally used to treat cancer has shown early success in minimizing the expression of Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.

___3796624___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___3796624___2015___5___26___14___down-syndrome-children

While still in the initial stage, the experiments, which were conducted on fruit fly models, suggest a novel approach to studying intellectual disorders.

Although scientists are learning more about how to manage life with the disorder, which arises from an extra copy of chromosome 21, a way to stop it at the source still remains elusive.

According to MSN, the research hinges on the expression of a protein known as DSCAM, the Down syndrome cell-adhesion molecule, which during development, the brain relies on for an overproduction to join with other neurons.

However,  at some point DSCAM has to stop adding length to the neurons’ arms, otherwise they’ll make faulty connections with neighboring cells.

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s thought disorders of the brain, including Down syndrome and Fragile X, arise when DSCAM production fails to quit.

Thus, "the study proposes a potential therapeutic approach for treating brain disorders associated with dysregulated expression of the DSCAM protein,”

This is according to a statement by the senior study author Bing Ye, of the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute.

For the study, the team rigged an experiment in genetically modified fruit flies in which the DSCAM overproduction also led to an overproduction of a protein called Abelson tyrosine kinase (Abl).

By checking the relative levels of Abl after giving the flies drugs for leukemia, the team could also measure how long or short the ends of the neurons grew. If they were shorter than average, the drugs were working.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the end,  the suggested dramatic implications for controlling the development of young brains with drugs normally reserved for adult forms of cancer proved to be a potential solution.

It also validated the patterns between human gene expression and that of others species.

Further commenting on the findings, Ye said:

“Although there's an amazing amount of similarity between flies and humans, more study is needed before we'll know if this could be a safe and effective treatment for human patients.”

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT