CRISPR Used to Remove Extra Chromosomes in Down Syndrome and Restore Cell Function
16th June 2025
Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, which leads to a range of developmental differences. Researchers have long sought strategies to correct this duplication, because current interventions do not address the added genetic material at its source.
Recent work points to a promising approach with CRISPR-based methods.
Ryotaro Hashizume and colleagues from Mie University in Japan report that it is possible to cut away the surplus chromosome in affected cells, which appears to bring their behavior closer to typical function.