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Novel Genotypes and Experimental Advances in Xenotransplantation

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 123

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
Interests: xenotransplantation; translational pig models; livestock engineering; immunology; allergy development
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Xenotransplantation has emerged as a promising solution to the critical organ shortage, driven by advances in genetic engineering and preclinical models. This Special Issue explores cutting-edge developments in the field, focusing on novel genotypes and experimental methodologies that enhance transplant success. Key topics include the role of genetically modified donor organs, particularly with modifications targeting immune compatibility and oxidative stress regulation.

The series will further highlight tools for evaluating xenotransplant viability in a clinically relevant setting. Studies on genetic modifications to reduce rejection mechanisms, enhance organ longevity, and optimize metabolic pathways will be featured. Additionally, research on oxidative stress mechanisms in xenotransplantation will be discussed, with a focus on genes that regulate inflammatory and stress responses in donor and recipient tissues.

Other areas of interest include advances in immunosuppressive strategies, novel biomarkers for xenograft function, and emerging preclinical models that bridge the gap between experimental and clinical application. By showcasing these innovations, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how novel genetic and experimental approaches are shaping the future of xenotransplantation.

Dr. Konrad Fischer
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • xenotransplantation
  • genetic engineering
  • preclinical models
  • genetically modified donor organs

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 1289 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Function of Porcine A Kinase-Interacting Protein 1 (AKIP1) In Vitro—A Central Regulator of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Functions
by Agnieszka Bak, Arne Hinrichs, Anna Schwaiger, Tobias Fromme, Andrea Fischer, Mayuko Kurome, Valeri Zakhartchenko, Barbara Kessler, Martin Klingenspor, Eckhard Wolf, Angelika Schnieke and Konrad Fischer
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7759; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167759 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2025
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a central role in numerous conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and organ transplantation. In transplantation, oxidative stress leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA and protein damage, lipid peroxidation, and activation of pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress plays a central role in numerous conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and organ transplantation. In transplantation, oxidative stress leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA and protein damage, lipid peroxidation, and activation of pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB, ultimately impairing cell viability and organ function. A Kinase-Interacting Protein 1 (AKIP1) has been linked to oxidative stress regulation in transgenic mouse models. To investigate this further in a livestock setting, we generated AKIP1 transgenic pigs and assessed AKIP1’s protective role against oxidative-stress-induced cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis in vitro. Our cellular analyses revealed reduced apoptosis (caspase-3/7 activity), suppressed MPTP-mediated necrosis, and decreased lipid peroxidation, suggesting protection from ferroptosis. Additionally, we observed lower mitochondrial superoxide production and enhanced mitochondrial respiration and recovery following H2O2-induced oxidative challenge. This is the first study to examine AKIP1 in porcine cells, providing a unique and translational platform for studying oxidative injury in a physiologically relevant species. Our in vitro data reveal that AKIP1 overexpression enhances antioxidant defenses and mitochondrial stability, offering future potential for improving graft survival in xenotransplantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Genotypes and Experimental Advances in Xenotransplantation)
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