Cells of patients with Down syndrome—a model to study mechanisms of oncogenesis and hypersensitivity to genotoxicants and antimutagenesis

Abstract

Several molecular and genetic features of cells from Down syndrome patients are considered in comparison to those of healthy donors, as is the possibility of using these cells to study mechanisms of the transformation of normal cells to malignant ones, based on the study of the expression of the genes controlling these processes. The role of microRNAs in the regulation of gene activity is estimated. These investigations make it possible to detect the genes for a hereditary predisposition to oncogenesis. The application of antimutagens-anticancerogens provides a new approach to the prophylaxis of this and other human pathologies. In addition, the data on the hypersensitivity of Down syndrome cells to genotoxicants (radiation and others) and the possibility of correcting these disturbances with antimutagens are presented. A special section is devoted to specific changes in cells typical for Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease; the commonality of several elements of the pathogenesis of these diseases is emphasized. The research on Down syndrome cells in terms of an imbalance in the entire genome under this pathology opens new means for the prophylaxis and treatment of several human pathologies.