Star-shaped cells make a molecule that can ‘rewire’ the brains of mice with Down syndrome – understanding how could lead to new treatments

By: Ashley Brandebura, University of Virginia, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 11, 2025

Words: 867

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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By Ashley Brandebura, University of Virginia

Delivering a connection-building protein to star-shaped cells in the brain could reverse changes to neural circuits seen in Down syndrome, according to new research my colleagues and I published in the journal Cell Reports.

Down syndrome is caused by an error in cell division during development. Individuals receive three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the typical two copies, resulting in duplicates of the genes encoded on chromosome …

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