
In August 2005 and February 2006, researchers published studies that support a potential drug treatment for children with Progeria. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs), originally developed for cancer, are capable of reversing the dramatic nuclear structure abnormalities that are the hallmark of cells from children with Progeria. And this FTI drug improves some signs of disease in a Progeria-like mouse model. Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about FTIs and these exciting findings.
Did You Know?
Progeria is caused by a tiny point mutation in a child's DNA, a one-letter typo in the billions of letters that make up the chromosomal book.