A team of scientists at Meiji University and Kyoto Prefectural University are using human stem cells to develop organs in “designer” pigs. Pigs are the first animals to have been developed for xenotransplantation[1].
These scientists have collected induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) from a patient and injected them into “designer pig” embryos genetically modified not to have a pancreas.
The aim is to provide vital transplant organs for use in humans to offset the current organ shortage.
Scientists hope to supply a private company with the pigs early next year.
[1] The transfer of living cells, tissues or organs from one animal species to another.
DailyMail ( 08/3/2018)