One of the biggest problems in contemporary medicine is the shortage of viable organs for transplantation. There are simple not enough organs available for the individuals who need them. One feasible option is the use of animal organs. This practice is known as xenotransplantation. There are many risks involved with xenotransplantation including physiological incompatibility, zootonic transmission of disease (also known as zoonosis), and negative immune responses. Despite these risks, there has been quite a bit of research about xenotransplantation.
One animal that is being considered for organ donation is the pig. Some pig organs' size and function are very similar to their human counterparts. One challenge that is present in pig organ donation is the transmission of pig PERVs. PERVs are porcine endogenous retroviruses. PERVs are highly dangerous and potentially lethal pathogens that can be passed for swines to humans. Chinese researchers have been looking at ways to prevent transmission of PERVs. Through the use of CRISPR-Cas9, these researchers have been able stop the damaging effects of these viruses. Could this be the new breakthrough in modern medicine?
I feel that if this research continues, it could lead to some of the largest advancements in the history of medicine. It could singlehandedly eradicate many genetic and congenital diseases that effect the organs of the body. This could also lead to xenotransplantation in other animals.
Sources:
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/357/6357/1238
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/357/6357/1303
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