Just as we’ve been captivated by films such as Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, imagining the ability to bring extinct creatures back to life, Colossal Biosciences has moved a giant step closer to making this a reality. They have successfully created the Colossal Woolly Mouse, engineered to exhibit several key characteristics similar to those of a mammoth, enabling it to thrive in cold environments. Take a close look at these amazing Woolly Mice below.
Scientists have developed genetically modified mice with coat changes in color, feel, and density that resemble the key characteristics of woolly mammoths. This is a significant advancement as it demonstrates the potential to express traits based on data gathered from the analysis of 59 woolly, Columbian, and steppe mammoth genomes, which span from approximately 3,500 years old up to over 1,200,000 years old. These findings are essential for the prospective reintroduction of the mammoth species.
Colossal’s extensive research team delved into an analysis of 121 mammoth and elephant genome samples, pinpointing crucial genes that influence traits like hair texture and cold adaptation. The report indicates they zeroed in on a group of genes where mammoths displayed distinct variations compared to their Asian elephant relatives. Further analysis narrowed down the list to ten genes associated with fur length, thickness, texture, color, lipid metabolism, and mouse-compatible expression related to these traits.
The team subsequently modified the mouse genome by employing a blend of three gene editing techniques: RNP-mediated gene knockout, multiplex precise genome editing, and precision homology-directed repair (HDR). Simultaneously, these edits were made in several areas, with some editing efficiencies reaching up to 100%, allowing for the modification of seven genes.
Ben Lamm, Co-Founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, stated, “The creation of the Gargantuan Woolly Rodent signifies a pivotal point in our quest to revive extinct species.” By incorporating several cold-resistant characteristics from mammoth ancestry into a test organism, we’ve demonstrated our capacity to mimic intricate genetic combinations that nature took millions of years to develop. This achievement brings us one step nearer to our aim of resurrecting the woolly mammoth.
Dr. Beth Shapiro, as the Chief Science Officer at Colossal, stated that The Colossal Woolly Mouse demonstrates our capacity to employ cutting-edge genome editing methods to produce consistent physical characteristics. This step marks a significant advancement in verifying our method for reintroducing traits erased by extinction, with the ultimate aim of restoration.
Dr. Michael Abrams, who oversees Colossal’s Mammoth Team as a co-lead, expressed great pride in the rapid progress our team has made in the lab. We’ve been able to advance the field of genetic engineering by skillfully orchestrating multiple intricate trait modifications within living organisms, achieving an impressively high success rate. This breakthrough highlights not only the proficiency of our scientists but also the robustness of our genetic engineering platform in consistently producing desired results.
George Church, a Professor of Genetics at the Wyss Institute and Harvard Medical School as well as Co-founder of Colossal, stated that the Colossal Woolly Mouse represents significant advancements in the field of precise genome editing. These advancements include refined delivery methods, creative multiplexing techniques, and a variety of gene targeting strategies. He emphasized that these developments enable us to thoughtfully design and build intricate genetic modifications, which could significantly impact the future of multi-gene resurrection projects and engineering.
Today at 2 PM Central Time, fans get an exclusive opportunity to listen to Lamm and actor/producer Joe Manganiello in a special keynote event at SXSW. They will discuss the potential effects of the Woolly Mouse on Colossal’s attempts to bring back extinct species.
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2025-03-09 20:40