首次在猪体内培育出“人类心脏”，我国学者登上Nature头条

Core Insights - The article discusses a groundbreaking study published in Nature, where researchers successfully cultivated a small human heart within a pig embryo, which was able to beat and survive for 21 days [1][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - Scientists have previously transplanted gene-edited pig organs (kidneys, hearts) into humans, and are now exploring the creation of human-animal chimeras to address global organ transplant shortages [4]. - The research team, led by researcher Lai Liangxue, reported the cultivation of a humanized heart in pig embryos, marking a significant advancement in xenotransplantation [5][6]. - The pig is considered a suitable donor species due to its organ size and anatomical similarities to humans [6]. Group 2: Methodology - The team utilized a method involving the creation of pig embryos lacking specific genes necessary for heart development, followed by the injection of human stem cells to promote the formation of the heart [5][6]. - The embryos were implanted into a sow for further development, and the resulting hearts reached a developmental stage comparable to that of a human heart at 21 days [7]. Group 3: Observations and Future Directions - The chimeric pig embryos could grow for a maximum of 21 days, after which they could not survive, potentially due to human cells disrupting pig heart function [7]. - The study did not disclose the proportion of human cells within the hearts, although previous research indicated that human cells constituted 40%-60% in pig kidneys [7]. - For future developments, it is essential that the heart is entirely composed of human cells to prevent immune rejection in human recipients [9].