They produce big litters. Scientists are turning to xenotransplantation, the use of genetically modified animals, to fill the shortfall of human organs for transplant, with CRISPR gene-editing technology helping to ensure pig organs are compatible with human patients. Scientists at EGenesis Bio have used CRISPR to inactivate viral remnants in the pigs, while a team at the University of Minnesota is using the gene-editing tool to study insulin-producing pig pancreatic islets. The first step towards creating pigs that can be successfully transplanted into humans will come from researchers who want to create animals capable of surviving on their own without any external help.
Scientists are turning to xenotransplantation, the use of genetically modified animals, to fill the shortfall of human organs for transplant, with CRISPR gene-editing technology helping to ensure pig organs are compatible with human patients. Scientists at EGenesis Bio have used CRISPR to inactivate viral remnants in the pigs, while a team at the University of Minnesota is using the gene-editing tool to study insulin-producing pig pancreatic islets. The first step towards creating pigs that can be successfully transplanted into humans will come from researchers who want to create animals capable of surviving on their own without any external help.