Down’s syndrome could soon be treated in the womb by targeting a key gene, scientists say.
Researchers have found a way to alter the extra chromosome in a baby’s cells which causes the condition. People with Down’s suffer a learning disability which varies with each individual and is caused by a one-off genetic change in the sperm or egg.
A healthy baby is born with 46 chromosomes but babies with Down’s have an extra copy of chromosome 21, also known as gene OLIG2.
In a brain model grown in a lab using cells extracted from Down’s patients, researchers found that using drugs to inhibit OLIG2 stopped the production of harmful neurons.
The study used stem cells collected from Down’s patients that can turn into other cells in the brain.
Assistant Professor Peng Jiang of Rutgers University in the US, said: “Our results suggest the OLIG2 gene is potentially an excellent prenatal therapeutic target to reverse abnormal embryonic brain development, as well as improving postnatal cognitive function.”
All pregnant women are offered screening tests for Down’s and the risk increases with the mother’s age.
As well as suffering delayed development, some children may have more complex needs such as being autistic.
