Progress in Transgenic Cloned Pig for Xenotransplantation

Pig organ is thought to be the most suitable nonhuman organ for xenotransplanstation. However, one of the major constraints to using pig organs for xenotransplantation is human natural antibody-mediated hyperacute rejection (HAR). Elimination of a(1,3) galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) from the pig is expected to be a solution to the problem of hyperacute rejection. ry1any efforts have made characterization of GGTA1 in structure and function. improvement in the technique of DNA transfection of somatic cells and advancement of the pig NT, a specific modification has been made to one copy of the GGTA1 gene by Missouri group in 2002. To date because homozygousity of the genetic modification has been achieved in this gene, the role of gala(1,3) gal specific natural antibody in HAR and the efficacy of xenotransplantation in a nonhuman primate model will be addressed. If other genes are found to be involved in rejection of pig donors by primates, the technology will be available to modify those genes so that rejection can be overcome.