Scientists have successfully combined human stem
cells and pig DNA – with the aim of growing a human
organ inside a pig.
But critics say the development of such hybrids is
‘offensive to human dignity’.
The ‘chimera’ embryos have been implanted in living
sows and allowed to grow for 28 days before being
tested and destroyed.
A team from the University of California has created a
“genetic niche” in the pigs’ DNA which will allow them
to inject human stem cells into the pig embryos.
The researchers hope the resulting foetus will grow a
pancreas made almost entirely of human cells -
although in the current trials the pregnancies will be
terminated after 28 days.
Reproductive biologist Professor Pablo Ross, who is
leading the research, said: “Our hope is that this pig
embryo will develop normally but the pancreas will be
made almost exclusively out of human cells and could
be compatible with a patient for transplantation.
“We think there is a very low potential for a human
brain to grow.”
Pigs are thought to be an ideal biological incubator for
growing human organs, and could potentially be used
to create not just a pancreas, but hearts, livers, kidneys
lungs and corneas.
He said transplanting such organs to human patients in
need of transplants could be done without the need for
immunosuppressive drugs which can carry significant
side-effects.
The work is controversial and last year the main US
medical research agency imposed a funding limit
because of concerns that the human cells might
migrate to developing the foetal pig’s brain, making the
animal more human.
Britain is currently suffering an acute organ donor
shortage , mainly due to medical advances which are
saving more lives following accidents, and 429 people
died in 2014 waiting for a transplant.
Experts believe the so-called “chimera” technique
being developed in California is likely to be approved by
the Home Office.
But animal rights campaigners are questioning the use
of animals to grow human organs.
Peter Stevenson, from Compassion in World Farming,
said: “I’m nervous about opening up a new source of
animal suffering. Let’s first get many more people to
donate organs.”
cells and pig DNA – with the aim of growing a human
organ inside a pig.
But critics say the development of such hybrids is
‘offensive to human dignity’.
The ‘chimera’ embryos have been implanted in living
sows and allowed to grow for 28 days before being
tested and destroyed.
A team from the University of California has created a
“genetic niche” in the pigs’ DNA which will allow them
to inject human stem cells into the pig embryos.
The researchers hope the resulting foetus will grow a
pancreas made almost entirely of human cells -
although in the current trials the pregnancies will be
terminated after 28 days.
Reproductive biologist Professor Pablo Ross, who is
leading the research, said: “Our hope is that this pig
embryo will develop normally but the pancreas will be
made almost exclusively out of human cells and could
be compatible with a patient for transplantation.
“We think there is a very low potential for a human
brain to grow.”
Pigs are thought to be an ideal biological incubator for
growing human organs, and could potentially be used
to create not just a pancreas, but hearts, livers, kidneys
lungs and corneas.
He said transplanting such organs to human patients in
need of transplants could be done without the need for
immunosuppressive drugs which can carry significant
side-effects.
The work is controversial and last year the main US
medical research agency imposed a funding limit
because of concerns that the human cells might
migrate to developing the foetal pig’s brain, making the
animal more human.
Britain is currently suffering an acute organ donor
shortage , mainly due to medical advances which are
saving more lives following accidents, and 429 people
died in 2014 waiting for a transplant.
Experts believe the so-called “chimera” technique
being developed in California is likely to be approved by
the Home Office.
But animal rights campaigners are questioning the use
of animals to grow human organs.
Peter Stevenson, from Compassion in World Farming,
said: “I’m nervous about opening up a new source of
animal suffering. Let’s first get many more people to
donate organs.”
