female silhouette emerging from DNA helix

EMPOWER

The EMPOWER project investigates the relationships between HERV expression, physical function, and menopause-associated changes in women with Down Syndrome.

The EMPOWER Project

Individuals with ID are known to experience accelerated aging and shorter telomeres compared to the general population, yet little is known about how modifiable lifestyle behaviors affect this process in this group. By addressing this gap, the study aims to uncover key contributors to aging in individuals with ID and inform strategies to support healthier aging outcomes.

Genetic Markers of Aging

This portion of the EMPOWER study focuses on two genetic markers of aging: Telomere shortening and Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV) expression. 

Lifestyle Factors

Healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as regular physical activity and diets rich in antioxidants, have been associated with slower telomere degradation.

people running outside
researchers investigating dna

Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV)

Over time, the human genome acquires many changes in the structure and content of DNA. One of these changes is the integration of retroviruses into the DNA. Recent evidence has shown that when these endogenous retroviruses become active, it is a sign that cells are aging.

silhouette of woman emerging from DNA

Study Measures and Objectives

This project will assess biological and functional health markers in women with Down Syndrome, with the following objectives:  

  • Quantify expression levels of endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), mobile genetic elements, and FUT2 transcripts in human-derived cells.
  • Measure telomere lengths across the genome.
  • Assess physical function (e.g., grip strength, balance) and menopausal status using age, hormone profiles, and self-report.
  • Characterize the virome and microbiome to identify associations with HERV expression.
  • Analyze metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal profiles.
  • Evaluate immune markers (e.g., cytokines, immunoglobulins) in relation to viral activity and functional health.
  • Compare patterns across women with Down syndrome, women with other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and neurotypical women