One of the changes in the brain of individuals with DS is a decreased brain size. Evidence exists that this is may due to a reduction in the production of new cells during early development. One of the genes in three copies present in DS is Dyrk1a. Over the last 10 years evidence has been mounting suggesting that Dyrk1a is responsible for many cell functions including cell proliferation. This was recently tested and confirmed in cell lines, a mouse expressing too much of Dyrk1a and human embryonic stem cells. The Dyrk1a gene therefore presents a possible target for therapeutic intervention of decreased brain size in individuals with DS. Having enough brain cells present may then assist the brain to arrange itself properly and contribute to better brain function.
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Find a review of Dyrk1a function here
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