CRISPR takes important step toward silencing Down syndrome's extra chromosome

Article

• Researchers used CRISPR to insert XIST gene into chromosome 21, silencing the extra copy
• Borrows X-chromosome inactivation mechanism that naturally silences one X in female cells
• Down syndrome is trisomy 21 — three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two
• Still early-stage; targeted to silence only one of the three copies

Discussion

• Commenters explain XIST mechanism clearly: natural X-inactivation repurposed for chr21
• Question raised: why not just excise the centromere and eliminate the chromosome entirely?
• Targeting specificity puzzle: how to ensure XIST integrates into only one of three chr21 copies
• Ethical Gattaca-adjacent concerns raised about disability and societal discrimination

Discuss on HN