Genome Engineering for Xenotransplantation

Abstract

Xenotransplantation, the transfer of cells, tissues or organs between species, has the potential to overcome the critical need for organs to treat patients. One major barrier in the widespread application of xenotransplantation in the clinic is the overwhelming rejection response that occurs when non-human organs encounter the human immune system. Recent progress in developing new and better genome engineering tools now allows the genetic engineering of genes and pathways in non-human animals to overcome the human rejection response and provide an unlimited supply of rejection-free organs. In this review, the benefits and drawbacks of various genome engineering protocols, and examples of their application in xenotransplantation, are discussed.

The Application of al-Intiqal (the transition) on Synthetically Modified Organisms (SMOs): An Analysis from Shariah and Science Approaches

“…According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, there are presently over 110,000 patients on the organ transplant waiting list, yet the number of organs available through donation has remained relatively constant, and even a massive increase in organ donation would not guarantee that a compatible organ would be available when and where needed for a patient (Stevens, 2019). Scientific studies found that xenotransplantation may be a viable approach (Hryhorowicz et al, 2017), in which it is a technique that includes the transplantation, implantation, or infusion of living cells, tissues, or organs from non-human animal sources into a human recipient (Krishnasamy, 2007).…”

Synthetic chromosomes, genomes, viruses, and cells

“…In the 1960s, experiments by various teams showed that while it was technically possible to transplant animal organs into humans, there were still too many clinical challenges at that time for the approach to be viable. Significant advancements have been made in recent years in understanding the molecular mechanisms of xeno-rejection responses (Cooper, 2012;Stevens, 2020). These have been made possible due to the advances in synthetic genomics and fundamental genomics, which while essential are only a small part of the overall transplantation process.…”

“…The pig genome was sequenced to very high coverage Review to ensure accuracy. The accurate genome allowed for highly specific targeted gene knockouts and for the insertion of cassettes of human genes in specific sites without disrupting genome functions (Stevens, 2020).…”

Current Aspects of Xenotransplantation in Human

“…Furthermore, with access to xenotransplantation, a commonly developing animal donor which is pig, allows the elderly patients to be able to receive the organ that is compatible to them since the donated organ from pig will solve the age limits the transplantation [34]. A further advantage of xenotransplantation is that the procedure can be pre-scheduled which will allow patients to have pre-treatment of receiving immunosuppressive agents to prevent the rejection after the surgery [4,41,42]. Apart from medical terms, xenotransplantation will also produce two significant benefits to patients and donors [43].…”