People with downs syndrome are cancer resistant

People with downs syndrome may have the cure for cancer even if they can’t spell it.

Downs syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that gives them a third chromosome 21.

Because of the genetic defect they are likely to have a host of health problems including leukemia at rate twenty times the average.

They are also likely to develop respiratory problems, heart defects, kidney disorders, Alzheimer, thyroid defects, hearing and vision loss.

One disease they seem to have a high resistance to is cancer, people with downs syndrome have only about 10% the rate of cancer compared to the general population.

The additional chromosome gives them extra versions of 231 different genes including DSCR1, also known as RCAN1.

Research compiled by Harvard University shows that extra DSCR1 genes slowed or even blocked tumor growth.

It is likely that this gene in combination with perhaps five others acts to block blood supply to the cancerous cells.

The so called “calcineurin-signaling pathway” is interrupted and the cancerous cells cannot grow beyond a clump of cells.

Anti-cancer drugs have tried to create similar results with very little success, although this research could help lead to more effective anti-angiogenic therapy in the future.

Healthnews Article