Mice tests welcomed as they can provide valuable information on Down syndrome
DSI chief executive Michael McCormick yesterday said such research could provide valuable information into why children with Down syndrome experience intellectual disability.
It is hoped such experiments will also help to explain why such children are more prone to suffer from a variety of health issues, including heart disease, Alzheimer's and thyroid problems.
According to Science magazine, medical researchers have genetically engineered laboratory mice to carry a copy of the human chromosome which is responsible for causing Down syndrome.
"We have mice that show nearly all of the characteristics of Down syndrome in humans," said Dr Elizabeth Fisher of the Institute of Neurology in London.
Researchers believe genetics tests on the mice will help identify which genes give rise to each of the symptoms common to people with Down syndrome.
But Mr McCormick warned people against expecting any significant development in the near future.
He claimed any practical benefits were "still light years away" because there was "a world of difference" between the condition in humans and mice.
He also stressed such research will not offer a cure or a treatment for the condition.
DSI is currently awaiting a decision by Health Minister Mary Harney on its application for funding of €2 million each year towards research projects.
* It is named after an English doctor, John Langdon Down, who first described its characteristic features in 1866.
* It is caused by a slight variation in the number of chromosomes in the body.
* It is slightly more common among children of older parents.
* Around one baby in every 600 born in Ireland has Down syndrome.
* Half of all Down syndrome children will suffer heart problems.
* Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome is now 55-60.
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