ID :
56895
Wed, 04/22/2009 - 18:34
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/56895
The shortlink copeid
S. Korean scientists develop genetically engineered pig
SEOUL, April 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists said Wednesday they have
succeeded in creating a genetically modified pig that could allow for significant
advances in animal-to-human organ transplants.
Organs of the miniature pig are free of a rejection-triggering gene and may
decrease the possibility of organ rejections when transplanted into humans, said
the researchers from several state think tanks and private universities.
The pig named "Xeno" was born on April 3 and is currently being raised at a state
agricultural institute, they said, adding it will weigh about 80 kg when fully
grown, or about 40 percent of the weight of regular pigs.
It is the second such animal created in the world after researchers in the United
States unveiled the first gene-altered pig in 2002, they said.
"By manipulating somatic cells and through careful breeding, scientists were able
to remove the alpha-1,3 galactose sugar molecules that are found in pigs, but
bring about instantaneous immune system rejection in humans," said Lim Kyo-bin, a
life science professor at the University of Suwon said.
Additional research, to be concluded around 2017, may effectively remove all side
effects to animal-to-human organ transplants and make it possible to mass produce
such animals that could save countless number of lives, said the lead researcher
of the project.
The development of miniature pigs for medical purposes has gained momentum around
the world because they could help doctors deal with fatal organ damage that can
only be treated by receiving donated organs from other humans.
Since there is a long waiting list to receive such organs, many patients
suffering from damaged organs die. The miniature pigs are attractive because they
have similar organ structure to humans.
Local experts said the creation of the miniature pig is significant because local
scientists will be able to start conducting their own animal tests from 2011
onwards that could lead to human clinical experiments.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
succeeded in creating a genetically modified pig that could allow for significant
advances in animal-to-human organ transplants.
Organs of the miniature pig are free of a rejection-triggering gene and may
decrease the possibility of organ rejections when transplanted into humans, said
the researchers from several state think tanks and private universities.
The pig named "Xeno" was born on April 3 and is currently being raised at a state
agricultural institute, they said, adding it will weigh about 80 kg when fully
grown, or about 40 percent of the weight of regular pigs.
It is the second such animal created in the world after researchers in the United
States unveiled the first gene-altered pig in 2002, they said.
"By manipulating somatic cells and through careful breeding, scientists were able
to remove the alpha-1,3 galactose sugar molecules that are found in pigs, but
bring about instantaneous immune system rejection in humans," said Lim Kyo-bin, a
life science professor at the University of Suwon said.
Additional research, to be concluded around 2017, may effectively remove all side
effects to animal-to-human organ transplants and make it possible to mass produce
such animals that could save countless number of lives, said the lead researcher
of the project.
The development of miniature pigs for medical purposes has gained momentum around
the world because they could help doctors deal with fatal organ damage that can
only be treated by receiving donated organs from other humans.
Since there is a long waiting list to receive such organs, many patients
suffering from damaged organs die. The miniature pigs are attractive because they
have similar organ structure to humans.
Local experts said the creation of the miniature pig is significant because local
scientists will be able to start conducting their own animal tests from 2011
onwards that could lead to human clinical experiments.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
