The Neurobiology Of Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common example of neurogenetic aneuploid disorder leading to mental retardation. In most cases, DS results from an extra copy of chromosome 21 (HSA21) producing deregulated gene expression in brain that gives raise to subnormal intellectual functioning. The topic of this volume is of broad interest for the neuroscience community, because it tackles the concept of neurogenomics, that is, how the genome as a whole contributes to a neurodevelopmental cognitive disorders, such as DS, and thus to the development, structure and function of the nervous system. This volume of Progress in Brain Research discusses comparative genomics, gene expression atlases of the brain, network genetics, engineered mouse models and applications to human and mouse behavioral and cognitive phenotypes. It brings together scientists of diverse backgrounds, by facilitating the integration of research directed at different levels of biological organization, and by highlighting translational research and the application of the existing scientific knowledge to develop improved DS treatments and cures. Leading authors review the state-of-the-art in their field of investigation and provide their views and perspectives for future research Chapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics covered All chapters include comprehensive background information and are written in a clear form that is also accessible to the non-specialist

The Neurobiology of Aging and Alzheimer Disease in Down Syndrome provides a multidisciplinary approach to the understanding of aging and Alzheimer disease in Down syndrome that is synergistic and focused on efforts to understand the neurobiology as it pertains to interventions that will slow or prevent disease. The book provides detailed knowledge of key molecular aspects of aging and neurodegeneration in Down Syndrome by bringing together different models of the diseases and highlighting multiple techniques. Additionally, it includes case studies and coverage of neuroimaging, neuropathological and biomarker changes associated with these cohorts. This is a must-have resource for researchers who work with or study aging and Alzheimer disease either in the general population or in people with Down syndrome, for academic and general physicians who interact with sporadic dementia patients and need more information about Down syndrome, and for new investigators to the aging and Alzheimer/Down syndrome arena. Discusses the complexities involved with aging and Alzheimer’s disease in Down syndrome Summarizes the neurobiology of aging that requires management in adults with DS and leads to healthier aging and better quality of life into old age Serves as learning tool to orient researchers to the key challenges and offers insights to help establish critical areas of need for further research

Genetics and Neurobiology of Down Syndrome provides a thorough review of the genetic etiology and mechanisms of trisomy 21. The author discusses the history of the syndrome, along with the clinical features and health consequences, including physical features, cognitive, and neurologic symptoms. Genetic counseling on pros and cons of prenatal screening and testing and associated ethical issues are explored. This unique book also covers the societal and demographic aspects as well as the future direction of therapeutic development. Reviews genetic etiology and mechanisms of trisomy 21 Discusses prenatal screening and genetic counseling, including ethical aspects Explores link between Down Syndrome and susceptibility to Alzheimer’s and early brain aging Covers cognitive and neurological symptoms and other health consequences Identifies future therapeutic developments

This book contains updated reviews and original research work on Down Syndrome focussing on brandnew results in neurobiology, in particular results on gene hunting (subtractive hybridization, differential display) and neurochemistry. The book provides new data such as a subtractive library of Down Syndrome brain showing cDNAs that are overexpressed or downregulated and can be regarded as a source for further research on the preliminary transcriptional data given. A 2D-electrophoretic map of human brain proteins including Down Syndrome brain protein expression established by in-gel-digestion of spots with subsequent MALDI-identification provides the scientific basis for protein work to the neuroscientist. Altogether, the book provides a series of new candidate genes possibly involved in Down Syndrome neurobiology, tools for neuroscience studies on Down Syndrome brain thus serving as a manual and updated views and aspects on Down Syndrome pathobiology.

Unique, up-to-date and comprehensive, this book considers in depth the remarkable association between Down Syndrome and Alzheimer disease. It provides overviews of each condition, followed by detailed accounts and analyses of hypotheses that attempt to account for the presence of Down Syndrome as a risk factor for Alzheimer disease. The data and discussions presented, including practical diagnostic and management recommendations, will be vital for health professionals involved in caring for adults with Down Syndrome, and for researchers exploring biological and behavioral aspects of the intriguing link between the two disorders.