De-extinction and Genetic Engineering by Colossal Biosciences

Overview

• Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based company, is pioneering the use of genetic engineering to de-extinct species, starting with dire wolves.
• The company aims to create value and ecological benefits by reintroducing extinct species.

The Dire Wolf Project

• Goal: Re-engineer dire wolves to fill their historical ecological roles.
• Genetic Engineering Process:
  • DNA extracted from two ancient fossils (13,000-year-old and 72,000-year-old bones).
  • Generated direwolf genome sequences compared with other wolves.
  • Identified unique genes of direwolves to re-engineer core traits.
  • Made 20 modifications to 14 genes in grey wolf cells, resulting in traits like large size and white coat.
  • DNA transferred to egg cells, developed into embryos, and implanted into surrogate hound dogs.
• Results:
  • Direwolf puppies, Romulus, Reheis, and Khesi, born in late 2024, will grow up to 6 feet long and 150 lbs.
  • They will live on a 2,000-acre protected preserve to ensure their safety and well-being.

Other De-extinction Projects

• American Company’s Efforts:
  • Engineered mice with mammoth traits; aim to bring back woolly mammoth by 2028.
  • Plans to de-extinct the dodo and Tasmanian tiger.

Ethical Considerations

• Concerns about unintended consequences due to tampering with genes.
• Potential medical problems for genetically modified animals.
• Ethical debates reminiscent of Hollywood's portrayal of genetic engineering.

Conservation Goals

• Techniques from de-extinction are used to clone red wolves to combat genetic bottlenecks.
• Aim to stop the disappearance of endangered species, with Earth predicted to lose 30% of genetic diversity by 2050.
• Highlights the importance of conservation efforts and need for funding to protect habitats.

Conclusion

• Genetic engineering and de-extinction offer potential ecological and conservation benefits.
• The technology's development could help endangered species and maintain biodiversity.
• Importance of mindful application of these technologies to avoid ecological disruption.