Gene expression variation in Down's syndrome mice allows prioritization of candidate genes
2007

Gene Expression Variation in Down's Syndrome Mice

Sample size: 16 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sultan Marc, Piccini Ilaria, Balzereit Daniela, Herwig Ralf, Saran Nidhi G, Lehrach Hans, Reeves Roger H, Yaspo Marie-Laure

Primary Institution: Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics

Hypothesis

Normal variation in gene expression contributes to the heterogeneous clinical picture of Down's syndrome.

Conclusion

The study identifies candidate genes for Down's syndrome based on inter-individual gene expression variation in a mouse model.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study confirmed a 1.5-fold over-expression of trisomic genes in Ts65Dn mice.
  • Inter-individual gene expression levels varied significantly among the mice.
  • Three categories of gene expression were identified based on their expression levels in trisomic versus euploid mice.

Takeaway

Scientists studied mice with Down's syndrome to see how their genes behave differently, helping to find important genes that might affect the condition.

Methodology

RNA from eight Ts65Dn mice and eight euploid mice was analyzed by real-time PCR to examine gene expression levels.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the use of a single mouse model and small sample size.

Limitations

The study is limited to a specific mouse model and may not fully represent human Down's syndrome.

Participant Demographics

Eight Ts65Dn mice and eight euploid mice were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/gb-2007-8-5-r91

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication