Xenotransplantation: A Solution to the Organ Shortage Crisis?
Summary
The shortage of donor organs for transplant is a major problem worldwide, with only a small percentage of those in need receiving a transplant. Xenotransplantation, the transplanting of organs from one species to another, has been a field of research for decades but has faced significant setbacks. However, recent developments, including the use of genetically modified pig organs, have led to promising results. Surgeons at NYU Langone successfully transplanted genetically modified pig hearts into deceased donors, showing no signs of rejection. The field of xenotransplantation is poised to revolutionize organ transplants, but there are still obstacles and barriers to overcome.
Table of Contents
- The Organ Shortage Crisis
- Xenotransplantation: An Overview
- The Ideal Organ Partner: Why Pigs?
- Genetically Modified Pig Organs
- Matchmaking: Pairing Pig Organs with Human Donors
- The Future of Xenotransplantation
- Dr. Goodhart’s Approach: Using Pigs to Revive Damaged Organs
- Conclusion
The Organ Shortage Crisis
Every organ that is donated cannot be used, as there are strict criteria that must be met. This includes having good function and appropriate size. There is a significant disparity between the need for organ transplants and the number of available organs. It is estimated that only half of those who need organs will receive them, resulting in one patient dying every hour in the US alone.
Xenotransplantation: An Overview
Xenotransplantation involves transplanting organs, tissue, or cells from one species to another. It has been a field of research for decades but has faced significant setbacks due to the evolutionary differences between species.
Recent advancements in immunology, testing, and knowledge of tissue and organ compatibility have led to promising results in xenotransplantation. The use of genetically modified pig organs has also shown great potential.
The Ideal Organ Partner: Why Pigs?
Pigs are anatomically and physiologically similar to humans, making them a suitable donor source. Pigs also mature fairly rapidly and can reach adult size within six to nine months of age.
Genetically Modified Pig Organs
CRISPR-Cas9 is a tool that can edit and manipulate genes. Editing pig genes has allowed for the deletion of a carbohydrate marker that identifies pig organs and cells, making them less likely to be rejected by the human immune system. Human genes have also been added to pig organs to make them better suited to cope with inflammation, coagulation, and swelling.
Even with high levels of immunosuppression, unmodified pig organs will ultimately fail due to rejection. Genetically modified pig organs that include human genes do not require as much immunosuppression, which reduces the risk of complications.
Matchmaking: Pairing Pig Organs with Human Donors
The human donor must be ineligible for a human transplant and must be strong enough to survive the complex surgery. Their other organs must also be functioning well to allow for a quick recovery after surgery. Finally, they must understand the risks involved and agree to the experimental procedure.
The goal of xenotransplantation is to provide patients with organs that are younger, stronger, and better matched. These organs must last as long as or longer than human organs to provide patients with decades of life, not just years or days.
The Future of Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation successes are currently steps towards clinical trials, which require large-scale research studies that are rigorously vetted by the FDA. The long-term longevity of xenotransplanted organs is still unknown and must be thoroughly studied.
The scientific community worldwide has invested in making xenotransplantation move forward, with the potential for more organs to become available and more transplants to happen.
Dr. Goodhart’s Approach: Using Pigs to Revive Damaged Organs
Dr. Goodhart’s approach involves using pigs as a support system for damaged human organs rather than transplanting whole organs. The pig provides multi-system support, allowing damaged organs to recover, which can then be transplanted into patients.
Conclusion
Xenotransplantation has the potential to revolutionize organ transplants, with genetically modified pig organs showing promising results. However, there are still significant obstacles and barriers to overcome before clinical trials can begin. Additionally, the long-term longevity of xenotransplanted organs is still unknown and must be studied. However, the scientific community worldwide has invested in making xenotransplantation move forward, with the potential for more organs to become available and more transplants to happen, giving hope to those waiting for a life-saving transplant.
