Researchers have successfully grown pig embryos with human kidneys, marking a significant step in the quest to address the global shortage of human organs for transplant. The breakthrough, outlined in a study published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, involved genetically engineering pig embryos to develop kidneys using human stem cells. These “humanized” pig organs could pave the way for xenotransplants, where organs from one species are used in another, benefiting countless patients in need of organ transplants.
The study began by altering pig embryos to disable two genes responsible for kidney development. Human stem cells, engineered to enhance their survival in the pig environment, were then introduced into these embryos. Over 1,800 hybrid embryos were implanted into 13 female pigs. After 25 to 28 days of development, five of the embryos displayed early kidney structures comprising 50 to 65 percent human cells.
The ethical implications of this research prompted the scientists to limit the study to this stage, as they didn’t want to risk producing pigs with human-like brains or other unintended outcomes. While the results are promising, further animal testing is necessary to understand potential risks, including the development of cancers when these organs are transplanted into humans.
Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs from one species to another, could significantly alleviate the shortage of human organ donors. Pigs have become a favored source for xenotransplants due to their short gestation periods, large litters, and organs that closely match human sizes. They are also less likely to transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. Recent breakthroughs, such as the successful transplantation of a pig heart into a human patient in early 2022, suggest that this field is making substantial progress.
Despite the optimism, it is clear that more research, rigorous testing, and ethical considerations are necessary before xenotransplants using human-animal hybrid organs become a practical solution to address the growing demand for organ transplant worldwide.