Genetically modified pig kidneys – transplantation triumphs Genetically modified pig kidneys – transplantation triumphs Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay October 25, 2023 The Hindu Genetic research, Organ Transplantation A recent study in Nature reports on the successful transplantation of kidney grafts from genetically modified pigs into non-human primates. The genetic modifications in pigs for kidney transplantation involved: Removing antigen-coding genes Introducing human genes Eliminating pig viruses The transplanted kidneys exhibited long-term survival in the monkey recipients. This breakthrough in preclinical research brings the potential of using genetically modified pig kidneys for human transplantation. Xenotransplantation, involving the transplantation of animal organs into humans, offers a solution to the global organ shortage. Overcoming obstacles like organ rejection and the risk of zoonosis is crucial for clinical viability. One of the main reasons behind this graft survival was found to be the introduction of 69 genomic edits into donor pigs. These promising results and immunosuppressive treatment offer hope for the future use of pig organs in human transplantations.