Gene mutations are not rare. However, the gene mutation that occurred in Mackenzie Fox Bayne, a 6-year-old boy in the UK, is a global exception because it is a kind of gene mutation that has never been seen before. In every one of his cells, there is an additional and little-known chromosome, so rare that it doesn't even have a name. The result of this gene mutation has completely overturned the life of Fox and his family. He is the first person in the world who cannot speak due to genetic disorder. His development lags behind, and no one knows how long he can live or whether there will be other symptoms. More frighteningly, there is no countermeasure.
Developmental lag without speech ability
Fox's mother Sharon found that compared with her other two children, Fox's development was significantly lagging behind. At three months old, Fox was still unable to lift his head off the small bed, couldn't hold things, and had sleep problems. Doctors initially worried that he might have muscular dystrophy, but the examination results left the doctors at a loss. It was a gene change. Scientists found through examination that a small part of Fox's X chromosome long arm had doubled.
Sharon, aged 40, said that after knowing the real cause of her son's illness, she was stunned. "Doctors knew that this was very unusual, and no one else in the world had experienced this situation. Doctors were very excited about discovering this result. Unfortunately, they had no countermeasures. How would the disease progress? Would he fall ill in the future? We don't know."
Although Fox looks no different from other boys of the same age, he has difficulty in learning. At the age of six, his intelligence is equivalent to that of a 2.5-year-old child. He cannot speak, so he can only attend a special school and has no ability to distinguish danger.
Nothing to do but wait
Sharon said: "Knowing that my son's disease is unique in the world is really terrifying. Besides these, Fox is a lovely little guy. He always kisses and hugs me, and likes to sleep next to me. Although we are worried about his future, I am trying not to think about it. Thinking about it can drive a person crazy. We don't know how long he can live, whether he will get sick in the future, or whether this condition will be inherited, and whether he can have his own children."
"My hope for him is that one day, he will get better and be able to live a normal life like other children. But I also know that the hope is slim."
Professor Karen Temple confirmed that Fox's condition is very unique. "His chromosomes have changed peculiarly. This situation appeared during conception, and every cell has two extra parts compared to normal people. We can only track his growth process and see what we can do."
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