In a groundbreaking study, scientists have successfully grown human kidneys in pigs. This achievement brings us one step closer to solving the shortage of organ donors for kidney transplants. The research was led by Miguel Esteban and his colleagues at Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health in China.
The Need for Kidney Transplants
Currently, more than 100,000 people in the US are waiting for a kidney transplant, with 13 individuals dying every day due to the lack of available organs. Finding alternative ways to grow human kidneys is crucial.
Exploring the Possibility
The experiment involved creating pig embryos that were unable to develop their own kidneys by disabling specific genes responsible for kidney formation. Human stem cells were then introduced into these embryos, with the hope that they would transform into kidney cells and assemble into functioning organs. The human cells were genetically engineered to enhance their survival in the pig environment.
The Results
Over 1800 hybrid human-pig embryos were implanted in 13 sows. Of those, only five embryos successfully developed early kidney structures composed of 50 to 65 percent human cells and the remaining pig cells. These structures included miniature tubules, a vital component of functioning kidneys.
Ensuring Ethical Considerations
Due to ethical considerations, the embryos were only allowed to develop for 25 to 28 days to prevent the possibility of producing pigs with human-like brains. The distribution of human cells throughout the embryos was monitored, and it was found that only a small number of cells ended up in the central nervous system or other organs.
Next Steps
The researchers have received approval to continue the experiment for up to 35 days to investigate if the humanized kidneys continue to mature properly. They are also planning to explore growing other human organs such as the heart and liver in pigs.
Combining Approaches
While this study focuses on growing mostly human kidneys in pigs, other researchers are working on using pig-only organs for transplantation. It is believed that combining both approaches may be the most effective solution to the organ donor shortage.
Overall, the successful growth of human kidneys in pigs offers hope for addressing the critical need for kidney transplants and finding alternative sources of organs.
