In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of Alabama have successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human patient, marking a significant advancement in xenotransplantation. Unlike previous attempts, the pig kidneys rapidly produced urine and cleared the patient’s body of creatinine, vital indicators of kidney function. This achievement was attributed to genetic modifications involving the removal of four pig genes and the insertion of six human genes, preventing coagulation and enhancing compatibility. While questions remain about the long-term viability of these kidneys, this breakthrough offers hope for addressing the critical shortage of human donor kidneys and saving the lives of those with end-stage kidney disease.
