Scientists to Remove Down Syndrome Chromosome

Microbiologists at the University of Washington (USA) have managed to successfully remove the chromosome that causes the development of Down syndrome. The team of the scientists guided by Dr. Li Li was able to adjust the trisomy of chromosome 21 in human cells grown in the laboratory.

Each human cell includes 24 pairs of chromosomes. Sometimes, there can be the so-called trisomy – three chromosomes instead of a pair. The trisomy in chromosome 21 causes Down syndrome.

First, the scientists obtained induced stem cells from the connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), taken from a person with Down syndrome. Then, with the help of adenovirus, the third chromosome 21 was incorporated with an alien gene sequence TKNEO. Then, the cells were grown in a medium that contained an antiviral agent ganciclovir. The effect of this substance led to the loss of chromosomes containing the TKNEO gene. This sequence resulted in a complete loss of an extra chromosome.

According to the researchers, their experiment does not promise a quick emergence of treatment for Down syndrome, but it can shed light on the genetic mechanism of the disease and may help with blood cancer, which often occurs in people suffering from this disease.