Creating human-like livers in animals for transplantation without immune rejection
Generating Exogenic Organs for Transplantation without the Use of Immunosuppression
This study is exploring a new way to help people who need liver transplants by creating human livers inside animals, which could help reduce the long waiting times for those in need of a transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894201 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to address the critical shortage of liver transplants by developing a method to generate human livers within animals. By using advanced gene-editing techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, the researchers will modify specific genes in animal embryos to allow them to grow human organs. This innovative approach could potentially provide a new source of organs for transplantation, reducing the waiting list for patients in need. The project focuses on overcoming the challenges of translating stem cell technology into viable organ generation for clinical use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from chronic liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, or NASH who are on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
Not a fit: Patients with acute liver failure or those who do not require a liver transplant may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the availability of transplantable human livers, potentially saving thousands of lives.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of generating organs in animals is innovative, similar gene-editing techniques have shown promise in other areas of regenerative medicine, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steer, Clifford John — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Steer, Clifford John
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.