Chromosome shutdown

A new technique to shut down chromosome 21 provides the clearest window yet into the cellular pathologies that underlie Down syndrome.¹ The findings will reshape how the condition is modeled and, in the longer term, could point to new disease targets or even a strategy to remove the extra chromosome.

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three rather than two copies of chromosome 21, and it is the leading genetic cause of intellectual disabilities. Other Down syndrome health issues include congenital heart defects, early onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), premature aging and some forms of leukemia...