[The role RNA interference of alpha1, 3GT plays in resistance to complement mediated cytotoxicity of porcine endothelial cells].

Objective: To evaluate whether RNA interference can protect porcine endothelial cells from complement mediated cytotoxicity.

Methods: Immortalized porcine aortic endothelial cells of the line PED were cultured and transfected with alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase (alpha1, 3-GT) specific siRNAs. Cells transfected with mismatch SiRNA was used as negative controls.

Inhibition of xenogeneic response in porcine endothelium using RNA interference.

Background: Rejection mediated by antibody recognition of the alpha-Gal epitope (Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc-R) is a major barrier in porcine-to-human xenotransplantation. Because the synthesis of alpha-Gal is dependent on alpha1,3 galactosyltransferase (alpha1,3GT), methods of blocking this enzyme are needed. RNA interference induced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a powerful technique for allowing the silencing of mammalian genes with great specificity and potency.