Producing Human Livers From Human Stem Cells Via Blastocyst Complementation

Abstract

The need for organ transplants exceeds donor organ availability. In the quest to solve this shortage, the most remarkable area of advancement is organ production through the use of chimeric embryos, commonly known as blastocyst complementation. This technique involves the combination of different species to generate chimeras, where the extent of donor cell contribution to the desired tissue or organ can be regulated. However, ethical concerns arise with the use of brain tissue in such chimeras. Furthermore, the ratio of contributed cells to host animal cells in the chimeric system is low in the production of chimeras associated with cell apoptosis. This review discusses the latest innovations in blastocyst complementation and highlights the progress made in creating organs for transplant.

Keywords: apoptosis; blastocyst complementation; chimeric embryos; ethical concerns; gene knockout; liver; pig; transplant.

Figure.

Blastocyst Complementation in the Generation of Human Organs Across Species. IPSC indicates induced pluripotent stem cell.