Gene-editing tools have advanced xenotransplantation, using pigs to supply vital organs for human patients.
At a Glance
- Gene-edited pigs provide organs, like kidneys and livers, for human transplants.
- Mass General Hospital reports the first genetically-edited pig kidney transplant.
- Research aims to solve the global organ shortage crisis.
- Ethical discussions continue over the safety and consent in xenotransplantation.
Breakthrough in Organ Transplantation
Gene-edited pigs are leading a revolution in organ transplantation. Successful transplants of pig kidneys and livers into humans highlight a significant breakthrough in this field. At Massachusetts General Hospital, a genetically modified pig kidney was transplanted into a 62-year-old man under an FDA Expanded Access Protocol. The four-hour surgery used a pig kidney edited by eGenesis using CRISPR-Cas9. This marks a significant milestone in xenotransplantation.
Notably, the pig’s genome had 69 edits to prevent immune rejection and enhance compatibility. Researchers disabled harmful pig genes, added human genes, and removed dangerous viruses to achieve this. This procedure could improve access to kidney transplants and address health disparities in organ donation, offering hope to over 100,000 Americans awaiting transplants.
A man got a gene-edited pig kidney transplanted, making medical historyhttps://t.co/qPztB2pHIb
— Rob Stein (@robsteinnews) March 21, 2024
China’s Contributions
More advancements come from Xijing Hospital in China, where a pig liver was transplanted into a “clinically dead” patient. The liver, with three pig genes disabled and three human genes added, functioned without immune rejection. This success further cements gene-edited pigs as a viable source of donor organs, pointing towards a transformative shift in transplant medicine.
“Mass General Brigham researchers and clinicians are constantly pushing the boundaries of science to transform medicine and solve significant health issues facing our patients in their daily lives,” said Anne Klibanski, MD, President and CEO, Mass General Brigham.
These advancements showcase the potential for gene editing to alleviate organ shortages and lead to new medical possibilities. Massachusetts General Hospital’s history of innovation is poised to once again lead medical science into a new era. The collaboration between MGH and eGenesis spans over five years, with findings published in Nature 2023, solidifying their pioneering role in this field.
Pig organs are not compatible with the human body, hence the use of gene editing.
So how many edits are needed? It's a big debate in the field.
The donor pig in the transplant last month had 69 edits. This animal has just one. https://t.co/ENwW0DiYBp
— Emily Mullin (@emilylmullin) April 24, 2024
The Road Ahead
While advancements in gene editing and pig organ transplants offer solutions for organ shortages, challenges remain. Ethical discussions around xenotransplantation consider safety and consent issues. However, optimism surrounds the achievements so far. The tireless commitment of researchers and clinicians continues to drive progress. Mass General Brigham, a leader in transplantation services, aims to ensure the medical benefits reach everybody, transforming lives daily.
“The success of this transplant is the culmination of efforts by thousands of scientists and physicians over several decades. We are privileged to have played a significant role in this milestone. Our hope is that this transplant approach will offer a lifeline to millions of patients worldwide who are suffering from kidney failure,” said Tatsuo Kawai, MD, PhD.
As research continues, the possibility of using pig organs offers much-needed alternatives for patients in critical need. The work of Mass General Brigham and similar institutions ensures the ethical and medical viability of xenotransplantation, providing hope for a future where organ shortages may become a challenge of the past.
