Person Record
Metadata
Name |
Lejeune, M.D., Jerome |
Titles & honors |
1962 Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation International Award. |
Occupation |
Pediatrician and geneticist. Medical researcher. |
Born |
June 13, 1926 |
Birthplace |
Montrouge, France |
Deceased |
April 3, 1994 |
Deceased where |
Paris, France |
Education |
College Stanislas de Paris |
Notes |
Dr. Lejeune was a medical researcher who made a profound impact on the field of mental retardation because of his incredible series of scientific discoveries. Working for many years at the University of Paris, he discovered the chromosomal abnormality in mongolism. Under the direction of Professor Turpin, an eminent French pediatrician who for some 40 years studied prenatal factors in causes of diseases, Dr.Lejeune studied problems of mongolism and human genetics in general, as well as the effects of radiation upon germ cells anf the developong embryo. In 1959, Dr. Lejeune published his paper showing that the cells of people with mongolism contain 47 chromosomes, one more than the 46 demonstrated to be in the normal human complement. This condition resulted in trisomy 21. Following this discovery, he consentrated most of his research on chromosome abnormalities in man. Dr. Lejeune also discovered the "Cri du chat" (cat cry) syndrome and the concept of "translocation." In recognition of his exceptional research work, Dr. Lejeune was awarded the 1962 Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation International Award. Dr. Lejeune's broad range of study and subsequent genetic breakthroughs advanced the field of mental retardation toward an era of prevention and greater understanding of the conditions and causes of mental retardation and appropriate treatments and interventions. |
Children |
Clara Gaymard, Karin Lejeune, Thomas Lejeune, Damien Lejeune, Anouk Lejeune |
Related Records
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1961.8.11 - Metabloic Error is Pinpointed in Mongolism: Hope for Prevention - Cure?
This article from Our Children's Voice Vol. XIV - Issue No. 2, published by the New York State Association for the Help of Retarded Children, Inc. in June 1961 details findings of metabolism research and chromosal anomalies.
Record Type: Articles, Books, Publications, & Media
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1961.8.2 - Our Children's Voice Vol. XIV - Issue No. 2
Our Children's Voice was a newsletter published by the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, Inc., intended to highlight Chapter activities, fundraising events, and other organizational developments. Feature articles within this newsletter include; Metabolic Error is Pinpointed in Mongolism, NARC Poster Children Illustrate Importance of Early PKU Testing and Treatment, Expanded Services for Mentally Retarded, Research Institute Implem...
Record Type: Articles, Books, Publications, & Media
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1964.8.3 - Our Children's Voice Vol. XVII - Issue No. 3
Our Children's Voice was a newsletter published by the New York State Association for Retarded Children, Inc., intended to highlight Chapter activities, fundraising events, and other organizational developments. Feature articles within this newsletter include; The President Speaks on Mental Retardation, Vetoed Bills to be Reintroduced, Governor Proclaims Retarded Childrens Week, Advertising Council Selects Mental Retardation as National Health...
Record Type: Articles, Books, Publications, & Media
