Xenotransplantation literature update, September/October 2017

Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV) – Molecular Structure and Replication Strategy in the Context of Retroviral Infection Risk of Human Cells

“…Long-term studies are underway to monitor the impact of PERV inactivation and gene editing on PERV-inactivated pigs ( Niu et al, 2017 ). However, the question of whether such genetically engineered pigs could serve in the future as a safe resource of tissues and organs for xenotransplantation remains open ( Denner, 2016b ; Walters and Burlak, 2017 ).…”

“…The possibility of individual transplant selection with regard to size and age represents an additional argument for the use of pigs as donors. Genetically modified pigs are a potential source of cells and tissues for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and corneal opacity ( Denner, 2016b ; Cooper et al, 2017 ; Walters and Burlak, 2017 ). Currently, intensive research is being carried out on the utility of porcine kidney, heart, lung, and liver tissues for xenotransplantation ( Cooper et al, 2017 ; Meier et al, 2017 ; Walters and Burlak, 2017 ).…”

“…Genetically modified pigs are a potential source of cells and tissues for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and corneal opacity ( Denner, 2016b ; Cooper et al, 2017 ; Walters and Burlak, 2017 ). Currently, intensive research is being carried out on the utility of porcine kidney, heart, lung, and liver tissues for xenotransplantation ( Cooper et al, 2017 ; Meier et al, 2017 ; Walters and Burlak, 2017 ). Porcine liver tissue could also serve as a source of modified hepatocytes for the treatment of patients with congenital metabolic pathologies in order to rebalance the level of hepatic enzymes.…”