poster abstractDown Syndrome (DS) is caused by the trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21).
Trisomy 21 can cause various behavioral, cognitive, learning and memory deficits.
Deficits in hippocampal structure and function have been identified in mouse
models of DS and are implicated in cognitive and learning impairments. Mouse
models have suggested that deficits in cognitive function are associated with
overexpression of Dyrk1a, a gene on Hsa21 found in three copies of individuals with
DS. Dyrk1a is a gene that is involved in brain development and function. Ts65Dn DS
model mice exhibit trisomy for approximately half of the genes on Hsa21 including
Dyrk1a and exhibit cognitive and learning impairments. We are using Ts65Dn mice
to test the effects of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a Dyrk1a inhibitor, on Dyrk1a
activity and cognitive function. We hypothesize that EGCG will reduce Dyrk1a
activity in the hippocampus and improve hippocampal-dependent spatial learning
and memory in the Morris water maze place learning task in Ts65Dn mice. The mice
were given daily EGCG treatment (200 mg/kg per day) by means of oral gavage
beginning on postnatal day 54 and continuing throughout water maze testing
(postnatal days 67-74). Measures of spatial learning included latency and path
length to find a submerged platform during acquisition trials (postnatal days 67-73).
Memory for the previously learned location of the platform was assessed on a probe
trial (postnatal day 74) in which the platform was removed and the amount of time
spent swimming in the area of the tank previously containing the platform was
measured. These measures allowed us to analyze the mice’s ability to learn and
remember the position of the platform and to spatially orient themselves.
Preliminary data indicates that EGCG treatment may not be an effective treatment
for the spatial learning and memory deficits evident in this mouse model of DS
