It is linked to a deficiency of genes from part of chromosome 22. Now that we know the chromosome defect, we can build up a picture about prognosis. These sentiments are echoed by Julie Wootton who lost her four-month old son Max to complications arising from a gene deletion on chromosome 22. She now runs the DiGeorge Syndrome Support Group. Knowledge of the missing genes and thus a prediction of the type of congenital abnormalities to occur coupled with the appropriate medical intervention available from the instant of birth would possibly be the only way to prevent a baby like Max from dying.
Further research is required to provide a safe and generally available prenatal testing system.
Thus, we are very enthusiastic about the progress the Human Genome Project is making. Professor Scambler is also supportive of the outcomes that the Human Genome Project is providing. The availability of DNA sequence data has enabled me to work across a whole range of conditions instead of being limited to just one. If there was no Human Genome Project, we would have invented one but it would be being carried out by a network of researchers and the progress would be painfully slow.