While searching for an interesting blog topic for this week, I came across this article posted in Scientific American about how one gene can switch off another gene that causes down syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts used XIST gene to inactivate one of the three copies of chromosome 21. The XIST gene is found in both X chromosomes in females. When this gene is activated then the expression of that chromosome is turned off.
Once the gene was placed into the cells obtained from someone who has down syndrome, Lawrence and her colleagues also put in a switch that gave them control over when to turn on the XIST gene. The switch was turned on by introducing antibiotic doxyclcline to the cells.
The researchers would like this study to assist other research in better understanding the genetic pathways involved in this syndrome and to further guide efficient future treatments.
Link Here
So does this "turning off" of a gene that causes down syndrome actually cure someone of the mutation? I am guessing all three copies must be turned off to technically cure someone, but I am a little confused by the study. Could you help clarify please.
ReplyDeleteBut it's more than one other gene that causes Down Syndrome-- it's a whole extra chromosome. I agree that clarification is required.
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