Shutting Off the Down Chromosome

摘要

Scientists have found a way to turn off the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome. The technique, reported in July, isn't a cure, but it could help researchers better understand the condition's effects on cells and design treatments for some of its symptoms. The body already has a way to silence an extra chromosome: a gene called XIST, which turns off the second X chromosome in females. The gene essentially shutters the chromosome, covering it with other molecules so it can't produce proteins.