In a groundbreaking achievement, Colossal Biosciences has successfully de-extincted the dire wolf, a species that has been extinct for over 10,000 years. The company used genetic engineering to modify the DNA of common gray wolves, creating three dire wolf pups: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.
Genetic Engineering Process
Colossal scientists extracted ancient dire wolf DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old ear bone. They then rewrote the genetic code of the common gray wolf to match the dire wolf's, making only 20 edits in 14 genes. This process involved using endothelial progenitor cells from a gray wolf's blood, which were edited and then inserted into a denucleated ovum. The resulting embryos were implanted into surrogate mothers, domestic hound mixes, who gave birth to the pups.
Characteristics of the Dire Wolves
The dire wolf pups exhibit distinct characteristics, including a white coat, larger size, more powerful shoulders, wider head, larger teeth and jaws, and more muscular legs. They also display typical wolf behaviors such as howling and stalking, but have been kept in a controlled environment due to their inability to survive in the wild.
Conservation and De-Extinction Goals
Colossal aims not only to bring back extinct species but also to use genetic engineering to protect endangered ones. The company is working on projects like the woolly mammoth and the thylacine, with the goal of preserving biodiversity and reversing some of the damage caused by human activities.
Ethical Considerations
While Colossal's achievements are scientifically significant, they raise ethical questions about the welfare of genetically engineered animals and the potential risks of reintroducing extinct species into modern ecosystems. Critics argue that such actions could lead to unintended consequences, such as the introduction of invasive species or disruptions to natural habitats.
Future Plans
Colossal plans to continue studying the dire wolves in a controlled environment to understand the effects of genetic modifications on their behavior and physiology. The company also hopes to apply its techniques to help endangered species like the red wolf, which is on the brink of extinction due to genetic bottlenecks and habitat loss.