Transplant of Pig Organs into Humans closer after stem cell breakthrough
The waiting list for organ transplants is growing to such an extent in such short time; it is unsure whether the patients that require the transplant will receive the specified treatment within the suitable time period. Recently scientists in China have found a method where they can use pig organs as a replicate organ to transplant. The pigs will ‘genetically carry’ human immune system proteins so the human body will accept the organs. The form of some pig organs and their function show a significant similarity to humans. This will reduce the waiting list by far and said to be available for transplant within a decade.
The process involves isolating the specific stem cells useful for human transplantation, then adding them to an embryo. The outcome of this will be a pig with both the normal and modified cells and if it mates with another pig with the same genotypes, an offspring with only modified genes will result.
The pigs will be bred as such to resist human infections but there is growing concern of the humans being exposed to pig viruses. Embryonic tem cells have been derived from other animals to culture and use for similar reasons, however there has not, as of yet, been any success with culturing the stem cells of pigs.
Reference: The Time, June 3 2009, Mark Henderson, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6417499.ece
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