Genetically Edited Pig Kidneys Function Well After Being Transplanted into Humans
Researchers have proven that human recipients of genetically modified pig kidneys experience viable function for at least seven days post-transplantation, showing no indications of rejection. This groundbreaking study has the potential to alleviate organ shortages, waiting lists, and the consequential loss of lives.
When diseases have progressed significantly, organ transplantation frequently stands as the sole recourse. Yet, sourcing a sufficient number of compatible donors remains an obstacle.
“xenotransplantation“
The approach known as “xenotransplantation“ seeks to expand the donor pool beyond humans, focusing on pigs as they offer organs of comparable size. To mitigate the risk of rejection, these organs undergo genetic modification to deactivate specific pig genes while incorporating certain human genes.
Recent accomplishments in the field have been notable. Last year marked a milestone when the initial pig-to-human heart transplant took place in a living patient, extending their life by an additional two months before succumbing to heart failure. Other research groups introduced pig kidneys and hearts into individuals declared brain-dead, observing organ functionality without signs of rejection throughout a three-day test period, during which patients were sustained on life support. These individuals had willingly volunteered their bodies for these experimental procedures.
University of Alabama Study Extends Trial to One Week
A fresh study, originating from University of Alabama scientists, expanded the trial to a full week. The recipient was a man in his fifties grappling with a history of chronic kidney disease, who had exhausted all available alternatives and had been declared brain-dead. He was provided with pig kidneys that had undergone a complex genetic modification process involving ten changes. Among these, four pig genes responsible for causing rejection were deactivated, while six human genes to prevent coagulation were introduced.
Over the span of a week, biomarkers indicated positive functionality of the transplanted kidneys. They effectively generated urine and exhibited enhanced removal of creatinine from the blood, a pivotal gauge of kidney performance. Moreover, there was no observed evidence of the formation of tiny blood clots within the kidneys.
Towards Clinical Implementation
While significant progress has been made, there remains substantial groundwork ahead before this procedure becomes a regular practice in clinics. Nonetheless, this development marks a crucial stride towards potentially mitigating waiting lists and averting untimely deaths among those on these lists.
“Traditionally, xenotransplantation has faced significant challenges due to immediate rejection post-surgery, despite the use of immune-suppressing medications designed to manage this process,” noted Dr. Roger Lord, a senior lecturer of Medical Sciences at the Australian Catholic University, who was not involved in the study.
“This case study presents promising preliminary evidence that these genetically modified kidneys can function normally after xenotransplantation, providing hope to individuals awaiting kidney transplants.”
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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