Colossal Biosciences Edits Genes to Create “Woolly Mouse” in Mammoth Revival Effort

Dallas, Texas – Colossal Biosciences, a biotech firm aiming to resurrect extinct species, announced Wednesday a critically important advancement in its woolly mammoth revival project: the creation of mice with long, thick, woolly hair. Scientists at Colossal Biosciences edited seven genes in mouse embryos, resulting in what they are calling the “Colossal woolly mouse.” This growth is geared toward understanding the genetic basis of cold tolerance, a critical adaptation for the woolly mammoth, which disappeared from the Earth approximately 4,000 years ago.

Colossal Biosciences, which gained attention in 2021 with its ambitious plans to bring back the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird, is focusing on identifying key traits of extinct animals by analyzing ancient DNA. Ben Lamm,CEO of Colossal Biosciences,stated that the ultimate goal is to genetically “engineer them into living animals.” the creation of the “Colossal woolly mouse” marks a tangible step toward achieving this ambitious vision.

The “Colossal Woolly Mouse” and Genetic Engineering

The creation of the “Colossal woolly mouse” involved editing seven genes in mice embryos. While the results have been posted online, they have not yet undergone peer review in a scientific journal. Beth Shapiro, chief scientist at Colossal biosciences, explained that the scientists reviewed DNA databases of mouse genes to identify genes related to hair texture and fat metabolism. These genetic variations are “present already in some living mice,” but the Colossal Biosciences team “put them all together in a single mouse.” This targeted approach allowed them to create a mouse with characteristics reminiscent of the woolly mammoth.

The company selected these traits because they are believed to be linked to cold tolerance, a crucial characteristic for woolly mammoths that enabled them to thrive on the prehistoric Arctic steppe. Scientists are employing advanced technologies like CRISPR, which, according to Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University of Buffalo, “make it a lot more efficient and easier” to genetically engineer animals. CRISPR technology allows for precise and targeted gene editing, accelerating the process of introducing specific traits.

Future Plans and ethical Considerations

Colossal Biosciences’ initial focus on mice was to validate the process before potentially editing the embryos of Asian elephants, the closest living relatives to woolly mammoths. Though, Lamm acknowledges that as Asian elephants are an endangered species, there will be “a lot of processes and red tape” before any such plan can proceed.Colossal Biosciences has raised over $400 million in funding to support its ambitious projects, reflecting the significant investment in de-extinction research.

The concept of “de-extinction” has sparked debate within the scientific community. Christopher Preston, a wildlife and habitat expert at the University of Montana, expressed skepticism, stating, “You’re not actually resurrecting anything — you’re not bringing back the ancient past. It’s changing an Asian elephant.” This highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the modification of existing species in the pursuit of recreating extinct ones.

You’re not actually resurrecting anything — you’re not bringing back the ancient past.
Christopher Preston, University of Montana

Despite the skepticism, some experts see potential benefits in the refinement of precision gene-editing. Bhanu Telugu, who studies animal biotechnology at the University of Missouri, noted that the same approach might one day help fight diseases in people.Lamm confirmed that the company has already spun off two healthcare companies,stating,”It’s part of how we monetise our business.” This suggests that the technological advancements made in de-extinction research could have broader applications in human health.

Broader Implications for Conservation and Medicine

While the ethical and practical considerations of de-extinction remain a topic of discussion, the technological advancements made by Colossal Biosciences could have broader implications for conservation and medicine. Telugu was impressed by Colossal Biosciences’ ability to pinpoint which genes to target, suggesting that this precision could be applied to other areas of animal biotechnology. the ability to precisely target and manipulate genes opens up new possibilities for addressing various challenges in both conservation and medicine.

The ability to manipulate genes with such precision could potentially aid in adapting endangered species to changing environments or enhancing disease resistance in livestock. Furthermore, the research into gene editing techniques could lead to breakthroughs in human medicine, offering new approaches to treating genetic diseases. The potential for these broader applications underscores the significance of the research being conducted by Colossal Biosciences.

Conclusion: A Step Forward,But Challenges Remain

Colossal Biosciences’ creation of the “Colossal woolly mouse” represents a significant step forward in the field of genetic engineering and de-extinction efforts. While the ultimate goal of reviving the woolly mammoth faces numerous scientific and ethical challenges, the technological advancements made along the way could have far-reaching benefits for conservation and human health. The project continues to spark debate and inspire innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is absolutely possible in the realm of biotechnology. the journey toward de-extinction is complex and multifaceted, but the potential rewards are substantial.