Harvesting Humanity: Insights into the Ethics of Organ Farming
Written on
Chapter 1: The Promise of Regenerative Medicine
In today's world of groundbreaking medical advancements, the aspiration for longevity appears closer to realization than ever before. Recent strides in regenerative medicine have opened up possibilities for cultivating human organs under controlled laboratory conditions. My four-year journey into regenerative medicine during my Ph.D. involved extensive research and reflection on various scientific discussions surrounding the future of organ engineering for both humans and animals. This exploration unveiled a realm of innovative ideas merging science and technology, poised to transform the medical landscape.
Section 1.1: Understanding Chimeras in Genetic Engineering
The concept of "chimera" has long captivated our imagination, often depicted as mythical creatures blending human and animal attributes in literature and film. However, the actual existence of chimeras diverges sharply from these fantastical representations. For instance, a bicolored mouse emerges when a blastocyst and embryonic stem cells (ESC) with different genetic backgrounds are combined, resulting in organs formed from both lineages. The endeavor to grow human organs within animals is fueled by the discovery of pluripotent stem cells (PSC), which can transform into various cell types like skin, liver, or heart cells. Chimeras serve as vital subjects in developmental studies and cell-based therapies, addressing the pressing shortage of human organs through an innovative technique. This approach involves deactivating specific organ-forming genes in a pig embryo using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, subsequently introducing human pluripotent stem cells to facilitate development within a sow.
The first video titled "Is It Ethical To Grow Human Organs In Animals?" dives into the moral implications of using animals for organ farming, raising critical questions about the ethics involved in such practices.
Section 1.2: Ethical Considerations in Chimeric Research
The moral responsibilities we have towards non-human animals frequently hinge on their cognitive abilities, often placing human interests above those of animals due to our unique cognitive skills. Determining the moral status of human-pig chimeras presents a complex dilemma, necessitating a clear understanding of the capacities that impart varying degrees of moral standing—an unresolved issue within moral philosophy. Research indicates that human/non-human chimeras could exhibit personhood traits, particularly when human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells are integrated into the animal's brain, as seen in therapies addressing neurodegenerative diseases. Ethical discussions arise from concerns that the introduction of human cells might render the non-human animal more human-like, although identifying distinct human characteristics in chimeric animals remains elusive.
Chapter 2: Navigating the Ethical Dilemmas
The second video, "Bioprinting and Pig Chimeras: The Possible Future of Organ Transplants," explores the future of organ transplantation through the lens of bioprinting technology and its implications for chimeric research.
Section 2.1: Balancing Human Needs and Animal Welfare
As we assess the ethical ramifications of animals possessing human organs, it is essential to comprehend the role of cognitive faculties, particularly how the brain shapes human identity. Addressing these ethical concerns requires adherence to established guidelines by the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), which delineates specific studies deemed unethical. The NIH has also imposed a funding moratorium on research involving human pluripotent stem cell/non-human animal chimeras, emphasizing the need for public input and comprehensive policy development. A significant ethical worry involves the potential creation of human gametes in chimeras, prompting regulatory scrutiny. Extending this dialogue to pigs, whether chimeric or not, raises pressing questions about their moral standing and provokes discussions regarding ethical farming practices.
In summary, the exploration of chimeric animals and human organ engineering unfolds amid a complex interplay of scientific progress and ethical considerations. Establishing the moral status of these scientific endeavors poses a formidable challenge, with stakeholders holding diverse viewpoints. As we look toward the future of medicine and science, it becomes clear that the journey will be rife with obstacles in reconciling ethical and moral frameworks. Striking a balance between scientific innovation and ethical imperatives will likely demand ongoing discourse, thoughtful reflection, and a shared commitment to navigating the intricate moral landscapes that lie ahead.
References:
Koplin J, Wilkinson D. J Med Ethics 2019;45:440–446. doi:10.1136/medethics-2018–105227
Hyun I. Ethical considerations for human-animal neurological chimera research: mouse models and beyond. EMBO J. 2019 Oct 4;38(21):e103331. doi: 10.15252/embj.2019103331.
Cynthia Morata Tarifa, Luis López Navas, Garikoitz Azkona & Rosario Sánchez Pernaute (2020) Chimeras for the twenty-first century, Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 40:3, 283–291, DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2019.1679084