GENERATION OF TRANSGENIC PIGS FOR XENOTRANSPLANTATION IN HUMANS

Microinjection of foreign DNA is currently the only successful procedu re to achieve gene transfer in farm animals, though at low efficiency (1-3 % transgenic offspring). Integration of the transgene occurs rand om, expression is normally independent from the number of integrated c opies, but can be affected by the site of integration. In most cases, the transgene is inherited according to the Mendelian rules. To achiev e xenotransplantation complement regulating gene constructs have been integrated and expressed in transgenic pigs. Upon transfer of hearts f rom such transgenic pigs to primates the hyperacute rejection response was overcome and an average survival of approximately 40 days was obt ained. It is expected that organs from transgenic pigs will be clinica lly available within the next 5 to 10 years after open questions in pa rticular on the potential transmission of pathogens have been clarifie d.