kinda interesting stem cell experiments (oink)
pigs grown from fetuses into which human stem cells were injected have surprised scientists by having cells in which the DNA from the two species is mixed at the most intimate level.
It is the first time such fused cells have been seen in living creatures. The discovery could have serious implications for xenotransplantation - the use of animal tissue and organs in humans - and even the origin of diseases such as HIV.
[...]
"The new work is certainly very interesting," Zanjani told New Scientist. "But the question is how widespread and how many of these hybrid cells were found? If they are very rare - and we haven't found any in our experiments - then I don't think it is that important."
[...]
In Platt's experiments, the human stem cells were injected into the pig fetuses about a third of the way through gestation. In Zanjani's work, the cells were injected about halfway through.
The injections must be given after the body plan of the fetus has developed, but before the immune system is active. The former ensures the animals look like normal pigs and sheep. The latter prevents the human stem cells being rejected.
It is the first time such fused cells have been seen in living creatures. The discovery could have serious implications for xenotransplantation - the use of animal tissue and organs in humans - and even the origin of diseases such as HIV.
[...]
"The new work is certainly very interesting," Zanjani told New Scientist. "But the question is how widespread and how many of these hybrid cells were found? If they are very rare - and we haven't found any in our experiments - then I don't think it is that important."
[...]
In Platt's experiments, the human stem cells were injected into the pig fetuses about a third of the way through gestation. In Zanjani's work, the cells were injected about halfway through.
The injections must be given after the body plan of the fetus has developed, but before the immune system is active. The former ensures the animals look like normal pigs and sheep. The latter prevents the human stem cells being rejected.