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Showpig Science :: Pigs Helping Physicians

Friday, August 11, 2017

Industry News Showpig News

Did you know that, although we may look very different, pigs and humans have a lot in common? In fact, we’re so similar in size, physiology and even genetics that pigs are helping scientists learn more about how to treat human diseases. Here are some ways pigs are helping physicians have more tools to treat their patients in the future.

IT’S IN THEIR GENES
In 2012, an international team of researchers mapped domestic pig’s genome. In doing so they found variants in 112 genes, which were similar to human genes. These are important because these genetic variants have been associated with obesity, diabetes, dyslexia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, as reported by PORK.

XENOTRANSPLANTATION
Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs or tissues between members of different species. Although this may sound like Sci-Fi, research is being done to see if this is a possibility. A lot of that research is focused on pig-to-human transplants due to our similarities and the widening gap between people waiting for organ transplants and donors. With these transplants comes the risk of rejection, because although our bodies work in similar ways, the human immune system recognizes the difference between certain molecules, which triggers an immune response. However, scientists are currently genetically engineering pigs in hopes of finding ways to reduce the likelihood of such an immune response. Learn more in this article from Harvard.

PRATHER’S PIGS
If the idea of a genetically-modified pig intrigues you, then check out Dr. Prather’s laboratory. Dr. Prather and his team of world-wide collaborators have made remarkable steps in this field with his studies in both early embryo development and somatic cell nuclear transfers in swine. His groundbreaking work resulted in miniature pigs with the alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase gene knocked out. While this is a mouthful, it means doctors are one step closer to xenotransplantation. In addition to this, Prather has successfully genetically engineered swine with the genetic mutation for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). These pigs present the same symptoms as humans with the disease, and now, they can be used to test treatments. Prather’s lab is also home to the famous “green pigs,” which served as proof of successful genetic engineering, swine models for Breast Cancer, PRRS resistant pigs, and even a discovery about IVF that could one day help human couples.Learn more about Prather’s pigs.

All of these discoveries make it an exciting time to be involved in the animal sciences and research. Plus, one day it could be swine that make us feel fine.