DNA MOLECULES ENCODING IGB3 SYNTHASE, AND USES THEREOF FOR THE DISRUPTION OF GLYCOSYLTRANSFERASE GENES IN XENOTRANSPLANTATION TISSUES AND ORGANS

摘要

Nucleic acid molecules encoding iGb3 synthase are disclosed, as well as fragments and mutants thereof. IGb3 synthase is, in part, responsible for the production of a Gal?a(1,3)Gal epitope in xenograft cells, tissues and organs which in humans provokes hyperacute rejection (HAR). The nucleic acid molecules of the invention may be used to generate animals in which the iGb3 synthase gene is disrupted. The cells, tissues and organs harvested from such animals are therefore useful in xenotransplantation.