Scientists managed to "disconnect" the chromosome responsible for Down syndrome
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Genetics scientists from the University of the United States (Massachusetts) reported that recent studies have shown the possibility of "disconnecting" the third chromosome from the last, twenty-first pair of chromosomes, the presence of which causes certain genetic problems in the development of the human body. Experts are sure that a breakthrough in the field of genetics will help in the near future cope with many genetic diseases, which until now were considered incurable.
A group of American biologists for a long time worked on studying the possibility of neutralizing an extra chromosome in the twenty-first pair. As you know, the third chromosome is the cause of Down syndrome - genetic pathology. Which is quite common in the modern world. Down Syndrome is also called trisomy for 21 pairs of chromosomes. Pathology is characterized by the presence of an additional third copy of the genetic material in the twenty-first pair of chromosomes.
The consequences may depend on genetic diseases, the state of the immune system and even from mere chance. The basis of the new study was the method of genetic therapy, which was previously used to treat certain diseases associated with genetic changes. Simple genetic abnormalities could be cured by eliminating a defective gene.
The research leader preferred to use the following method: an imitation of the "disconnection" of one x chromosome was performed, which is present in each female. During the experiment, scientists were able to grow a stem cell that contained 21 pairs of chromosomes and introduce into it a special gene capable of blocking one of the two chromosomes in a pair. Researchers believe that if the gene could temporarily disable the effect of one of the two chromosomes in a pair, then in the case of Down's syndrome, when the last pair of chromosomes contains three chromosomes, the real possibility is to "cut off" the third.
American scientists conducted several experiments that confirmed the possibility of successful implementation of the conceived. Genetics conducted experiments on stem cells derived from the epithelium of a man afflicted with Down syndrome. The presence of a special gene in the cells had the expected effect: one of the chromosomes in the twenty-first pair "disconnected".
The work carried out by researchers from Massachusetts, can be the beginning of the most important study aimed at the prevention and treatment of genetic diseases. At the moment, doctors say with certainty that after a while it will be possible not only to determine which genes affect neurodegenerative symptoms, but also to control specific genes.
Of course, before the widespread use of such techniques is still far away, but the first steps have already been made - the head of the study. The victory can be considered the possibility of "disconnecting" the chromosome and the ability to control specific genes.