Ashley Brandebura’s Down Syndrome Research Featured in Medicine in Motion

October 2025 – Congrats to new Neuroscience faculty Ashley Brandebura, whose research was just featured in Medicine in Motion! Faulty brain circuits seen in Down syndrome may be caused by the lack of a particular molecule essential for the development and function of the nervous system, new research suggests. Restoring the molecule, called pleiotrophin, could improve brain function in Down syndrome and other neurological diseases – possibly even in adults. “This study is really exciting because it serves as proof-of-concept that we can target astrocytes, a cell type in the brain specialized for secreting synapse-modulating molecules, to rewire the brain circuity at adult ages,” Brandebura said. Visit this link to learn more!