In an effort to address its ongoing organ donor shortage crisis, Japan has started breeding the first pigs genetically engineered for human organ transplants.
This significant success, announced by Japanese startup PorMedTec, represents a substantial advancement in the field of xenotransplantation, providing hope to thousands of patients awaiting life-saving organ transplants.
Genetically-Modified Pigs for Human Organ Transplants
The project, led by PorMedTec in collaboration with the U.S. biotechnology company eGenesis, has successfully produced three genetically modified piglets with organs suitable for human transplantation, the South China Morning Post reports.
These piglets were born on Sunday and have undergone genetic modifications to reduce the risk of immune rejection, a major hurdle in xenotransplantation.
The process involved importing gene-edited pig cells from eGenesis and using somatic cell cloning technology to create genetically modified embryos. These embryos were then implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother pig, resulting in the birth of the three piglets via caesarean section.
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Japan's Organ Donor Shortage
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it addresses a critical issue that affects not only Japan but also countries around the world: a shortage of organ donors.
In Japan alone, approximately 16,000 people are on the waiting list for organ transplants, but only 400 transplants are performed each year, leaving many patients without hope.
Xenotransplantation, or the transfer of organs or cells from one species to another, holds great promise for overcoming the limitations of traditional organ donation.
PorMedTec's breakthrough builds upon previous advancements in xenotransplantation research, particularly in gene editing techniques to reduce immune rejection. By manipulating ten genes in the pigs, including those responsible for immune response, researchers have significantly reduced the likelihood of rejection by the human body.
Furthermore, eGenesis has made strides in addressing another major barrier to xenotransplantation: the presence of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs). By inactivating these viruses in the pigs, the risk of viral transmission to human recipients is minimized, paving the way for safer and more successful transplants.
What's Next?
Although the potential benefits are substantial, the FDA warns that the use of xenotransplantation raises concerns about recipients becoming infected with both recognized and unrecognized infectious agents and the possibility of transmission to close contacts and the general human population.
These groundbreaking procedures, if put into effect, have the potential to save countless lives and reduce the strain on organ donation systems.
Looking ahead, the implications of this achievement are profound. Planned procedures include the transplant of pig pancreatic islet cells into patients with type 1 diabetes and the temporary transplant of a pig kidney into a fetus with severe kidney disease.
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