Chimeras for the twenty-first century. (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morata Tarifa, Cynthia; López Navas, Luis; Azkona, Garikoitz; Sánchez Pernaute, Rosario
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in biotechnology. Volume 40:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Chimera -- organogenesis -- blastocyst complementation -- pluripotent stem cells -- interspecific -- organoids -- tissue engineering -- embryonic stem cells -- ethics; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Industry -- Periodicals; Biotechnology; Review Literature; Public Health; Environment; Industry; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2019.1679084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-8551

Abstract

Abstract: Recent advances in stem cell biology and molecular engineering have improved and simplified the methodology employed to create experimental chimeras, highlighting their value in basic research and broadening the spectrum of potential applications. Experimental chimeras have been used for decades during the generation of murine genetic models, this being especially relevant in developmental and regeneration studies. Indeed, their value for the research and modeling of human diseases was recognized by the 2007 Nobel Prize to Mario Capecchi, Martin Evans, and Oliver Smithies. More recently, their potential application in regenerative medicine has generated a lot of interest, particularly the enticing possibility to generate human organs for transplantation in livestock animals. In this review, we provide an update on interspecific chimeric organogenesis, its possibilities, current limitations, alternatives, and ethical issues.