It may be possible to genetically modify pig organs to make them suitable for use in people, according to researchers.

They altered the DNA of pig cells to make them a better match for humans, which would reduce the risk of rejection and infection by viruses contained in pig DNA, BBC News reported.

The early-stage research appears in the journal Science.

It would be years before it may be possible to use genetically modified pigs to grow organs for people. But if this line of research is successful, it could help reduce the shortage of human donor organs, BBC News reported.