How Down syndrome changes gene activity across different organs
Trisomy 21 Model Atlas
This project maps how the extra chromosome 21 alters gene activity in tissues to help people with Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171426 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will build a detailed atlas showing tissue- and development stage-specific gene activity caused by trisomy 21 by combining data from mouse models and human cell systems. They will generate transcriptomes (gene expression profiles) from many organs and match those profiles to measurements of organ development and structure. The team will compare mouse and human data to find common patterns that help explain co-occurring conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and heart defects. The atlas will be shared as a resource so other scientists can use it to design targeted studies and potential therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal contributors would be people with Down syndrome or family members willing to donate cells, tissue samples, or clinical information for research.
Not a fit: People without Down syndrome or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this resource-building project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal the gene changes that drive common health problems in Down syndrome and point to new targets for treatment or diagnosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work with mouse models and induced pluripotent stem cells has shown gene dysregulation in Down syndrome, but a comprehensive tissue-by-tissue, developmentally matched atlas is a new, larger-scale effort.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galbraith, Matthew D — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Galbraith, Matthew D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.