Scientists at Colossal Biosciences are embarking on an ambitious project to bring back the woolly mammoth, a species that went extinct thousands of years ago. By genetically modifying Asian elephants, the team aims to recreate a creature reminiscent of the ancient mammoth. This innovative endeavor involves studying ancient mammoth genomes and comparing them with those of their closest living relatives, the Asian elephants. In a groundbreaking move, researchers have already begun editing the genomes of these elephants, targeting genes linked to the distinctive woolly coat of the mammoth.
The team has focused on altering combinations of genes related to hair color, texture, length, and hair follicles. The same genes are believed to have contributed to the woolly coat of the mammoth. By employing a technique that allows for multiple edits in different genes simultaneously, the scientists have made significant strides in their research. Although the efficiency of these genetic edits varied, many subjects achieved a 100% success rate for all attempted modifications.
“The efficiency of the edits varied, but many individuals were 100% for all attempted edits” – Beth Shapiro
The project has produced genetically modified mice with mammoth-like features. These adaptations were intended to make the mouse genes resemble those of a mammoth. However, the modified mice have not yet been proven to be cold-tolerant, a crucial factor for survival in colder climates. While the creation of these woolly mice marks a significant milestone, it is only a validating point in the larger quest for de-extinction.
“It does not accelerate anything but it’s a massive validating point” – Ben Lamm
The first calf from this genetic experiment is expected to be born by the end of 2028. Researchers hope to conduct behavioral tests for cold tolerance in the coming months, which will provide further insights into the potential for de-extincting mammoths. Despite these achievements, bringing back the woolly mammoth remains a daunting challenge.
Dr. Tori Herridge from the University of Sheffield noted that while this study demonstrates technical prowess, it does not indicate that mammoth de-extinction is imminent.
“Engineering a mammoth-like elephant presents a far greater challenge: the actual number of genes likely to be involved is far higher, the genes are less well understood – and still need to be identified – and the surrogate will be an animal that is not normally experimented upon” – Dr. Tori Herridge
“Mammoth de-extinction doesn’t seem to be on the horizon anytime soon” – Dr. Tori Herridge
Robin Lovell-Badge praised the technical aspects of the study but expressed concerns about resource allocation. He emphasized that resources might be better spent preserving existing species rather than attempting de-extinction.
“My overall concern is whether this is a sensible use of resources rather than spending the money on trying to prevent species becoming extinct” – Robin Lovell-Badge