The study, published in the journal Science, expands on capabilities of the genome editing
tool known as CRISPR-Cas9, which works as a type of molecular scissors that can
selectively trim away unwanted parts of the genome.
Previous efforts with the technology have only managed to
cut away six areas of the genome at one go.
In the latest study led by Dr. George Church, a geneticist
from Harvard Medical School, researchers simultaneously snipped away genetic
material in 62 specific locations in the pig genome.
While Church’s team has shown that it is feasible to
drastically edit the genome of pigs to remove native pig viruses from pig
cells, it has not shown that such organs would be safe to use in people.
Still, Church said in a statement he believes the technology
will one day make it possible for pig organs to be used as a substitute for
human organs for patients in need of a transplant and for whom there are no
suitable donor organs.
