Human and Pig Pluripotent Stem Cells: From Cellular Products to Organogenesis and Beyond

Abstract

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are important for studying development and hold great promise in regenerative medicine due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the potential applications of both human and pig PSCs and provide an overview of the current progress and challenges in this field. In addition to exploring the therapeutic uses of PSC-derived cellular products, we also shed light on their significance in the study of interspecies chimeras, which has led to the creation of transplantable human or humanized pig organs. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of pig PSCs as an ideal cell source for genetic engineering, facilitating the development of genetically modified pigs for pig-to-human xenotransplantation. Despite the achievements that have been made, further investigations and refinement of PSC technologies are necessary to unlock their full potential in regenerative medicine and effectively address critical healthcare challenges.

Exploration of Preservation Methods for Utilizing Porcine Fetal-Organ-Derived Cells in Regenerative Medicine Research

“…While various porcine stem cells have been established [12], considering the limitations of induced cells, progenitor cells derived from porcine fetuses were considered more preferable. To maximize the utilization of these valuable samples including other organs such as hearts and livers, it is necessary to first establish appropriate cell processing and preservation methods for each organ.…”