Fact Check: "Removing the extra chromosome normalizes gene expression in lab-grown cells."
What We Know
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21 (C21), leading to various developmental and health challenges. Recent research has focused on methods to remove or silence this extra chromosome to normalize gene expression. Studies have shown promising results in laboratory settings. For instance, one study reported that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from individuals with DS demonstrated the ability to lose an extra copy of C21, resulting in normalized gene expression and improved cell proliferation rates (Rondal, 2021).
Another significant study utilized CRISPR technology to remove the extra chromosome in lab-grown cells, which also resulted in the normalization of gene expression (Reddy, 2025). This indicates that the removal of the extra chromosome can indeed lead to a restoration of normal cellular functions, supporting the claim that such interventions can normalize gene expression in lab-grown cells.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple peer-reviewed studies that have explored the effects of removing or silencing the extra chromosome 21 in various cellular models. Rondal's research discusses the feasibility of these interventions and highlights successful in vitro experiments where the extra chromosome was silenced or removed, leading to normalized genetic expression (Rondal, 2021).
Moreover, a study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that trisomy silencing via XIST could restore normal cell function and development, further corroborating the claim (Chiang, 2018). The reliability of these sources is high, as they are published in reputable scientific journals and involve rigorous peer review processes.
However, it is important to note that while these findings are promising, they are still in the experimental stages. Ethical concerns and practical challenges remain significant barriers to translating these laboratory successes into clinical applications for individuals with Down syndrome (Rondal, 2021).
The recent advancements using CRISPR technology to remove extra chromosomes have been met with enthusiasm in the scientific community, as they offer a potential pathway to not only normalize gene expression but also improve the overall health outcomes for individuals with DS (Hashizume, 2025).
Conclusion
The claim that "removing the extra chromosome normalizes gene expression in lab-grown cells" is True. The evidence from multiple studies supports the assertion that interventions aimed at silencing or removing the extra chromosome 21 can lead to normalized gene expression in laboratory settings. While the research is still in its early stages and faces ethical and practical challenges, the findings indicate a significant step forward in understanding and potentially treating Down syndrome.
Sources
- From the lab to the people: major challenges in the biological treatment of Down syndrome. Link
- Major challenges in the biological treatment of Down syndrome. Link
- Trisomy silencing by XIST normalizes Down syndrome cell function. Link
- Targeting chromosome trisomy for chromosome editing. Link
- CRISPR used to remove extra chromosomes in Down syndrome and restore cell function. Link
- Trisomic rescue via allele-specific multiple chromosome editing. Link
- CRISPR Snips Away Extra Chromosomes, Offering New Hope for Down Syndrome Treatment. Link
- Dr E. Shyam P. Reddy's Post. Link
