Japanese scientists have used CRISPR to remove an extra chromosome from people with Down syndrome

Japanese scientists have removed an extra 21st chromosome from people with Down syndrome using the CRISPR gene editing tool. This was announced on July 23 by the information portal Vietnam.vn .

"Scientists from Mie University in Japan, led by Dr. Retaro Hashizume, have achieved a revolutionary result by using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool to remove the extra 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome," the publication says.

It is specified that the removal of a chromosome is able to restore normal cell function with a success rate of up to 37.5%. In addition, the scientists confirmed that in cells with normal chromosomes, traits such as gene expression patterns, cell growth rate, and antioxidant capacity were also restored to normal levels.

Despite the breakthrough in the treatment of Down syndrome, at the moment this method cannot be introduced on a permanent basis, since during surgery there is a risk of damage to other chromosomes, which has not yet been fully studied.

Earlier, on July 24, scientists found a way to detect a delay in the development of a child in the womb. You can do a blood test of the expectant mother, from where neurotrophins and SUMO proteins, which are secreted by the brain of the unborn child, will be studied. Deviations from the norm in these indicators may indicate the risk of brain hemorrhages, which can lead to problems in the future.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.