RealFeedApp BCAS1+ cells fail to produce myelin
Human forebrain assembloids with an extra copy of chromosome 21 showed expanded pre-myelinating oligodendrocyte precursor cells and altered synaptic interactions compared to euploid controls.
- Field
- the brain and neuroscience
- What they did
- Researchers investigated oligodendrocyte development and neuron-glia interactions in brain models of people with Down syndrome using stem cells. They found that individuals with trisomy 21 show an expansion of the pre-myelinating stage of oligodendrocytes, but without a corresponding increase in the production of myelin basic protein.
- Why it matters
- This is important for understanding the mechanisms behind impaired myelination and abnormal neuronal connectivity, which are consistent signs of Down syndrome and lead to intellectual disabilities.
#trisomy 21#oligodendrocyte#down syndrome#neurodevelopment#stem cell model
