A genetically engineered pig heart which was transplanted into a baboon has survived more than a year without being rejected, leading scientists to hope that animal parts could one day provide a limitless sources of organs.
The hearts of genetically modified pigs could be transplanted into humans to solve the shortage of organ donors, scientists believe.
Researchers successfully grafted a pig heart into a baboon more than a year ago and it is still functioning, they report today.
Until now, organs transplanted into primates have only lasted for a maximum of six months before being rejected.
But scientists have tweaked the DNA of pigs so that their hearts are more compatible with primates and humans.
Through genetic changes, the scientists have added several human genes to the pig genome as well as removing genes which trigger a dangerous immune response in humans.
Grafts from these genetically engineered pigs are less likely to be seen as foreign, thus reducing the immune reaction against them.
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The hearts of genetically modified pigs could be transplanted into humans to solve the shortage of organ donors, scientists believe.
Researchers successfully grafted a pig heart into a baboon more than a year ago and it is still functioning, they report today.
Until now, organs transplanted into primates have only lasted for a maximum of six months before being rejected.
But scientists have tweaked the DNA of pigs so that their hearts are more compatible with primates and humans.
Through genetic changes, the scientists have added several human genes to the pig genome as well as removing genes which trigger a dangerous immune response in humans.
Grafts from these genetically engineered pigs are less likely to be seen as foreign, thus reducing the immune reaction against them.
Read more »
