Context:
First Human recipient of a Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Transplant has died recently.
Xenotransplantation:
- Any procedure that involves transplantation, implantation, or infusion of live non-human animal cells, tissues, or organs into a human recipient.
- Primary aim – To address the shortage of human donor organs
- Gene Editing Technology CRISPR-Cas9 was utilized to eliminate specific pig genes responsible for producing sugars triggering immune responses.
- It introduces specific human genes to enhance organ (kidney, heart) compatibility with humans.
- Benefits –
- Alternative supply of organs to those with life-threatening diseases.
- Reduce shortage of transplantable organs.
Why are Pigs often used for Xenotransplantation?
- Pig heart valves have been used in human surgeries for over 50 years.
- Pig’s organ size, physiological metabolism and immune system are similar to those of human beings.
- Organs that can be used for xenotransplantation includes Heart, Liver, Lungs, etc.
- Breeding pigs on farms is widespread and cost-effective.
- Varieties of pig breeds are farmed, providing an opportunity for harvested organs to be matched with specific needs of human recipient.
Previous Xenotransplantation:
- In 1997, a surgeon in Assam, performed a xenotransplantation procedure by transplanting a pig’s heart into a human patient.
- In 2022, the 1st xenotransplantation of a genetically-modified pig heart was done.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
