Revival of Dire Wolves via De-Extinction

GS3 – S&T – BioTech

Biotech firm Colossal Biosciences has successfully engineered wolf pups with genetic characteristics of the long-extinct dire wolf, using ancient DNA and CRISPR gene-editing technology.

What is De-Extinction?

De-extinction is a cutting-edge process in biotechnology that aims to bring back species that have gone extinct by reconstructing their genomes using ancient DNA and advanced techniques like gene editing (e.g., CRISPR) and cloning.

• The objective is not to recreate the species exactly as it was, but to produce an organism that closely mirrors it genetically and phenotypically.
• Similar projects are underway to resurrect species like the woolly mammoth, dodo, and red wolf.

Genetic Engineering & Reproduction Methods Used

• Nuclear Transfer Technique:
  Scientists extracted and modified gray wolf nuclei and inserted them into egg cells from which the original nuclei had been removed (enucleated eggs) — a method that enables reprogramming of genetic identity.
• Surrogacy through Domestic Dogs:
  Domestic dog females served as surrogate mothers for the engineered embryos, providing a compatible gestational environment.
• Birth Process:
  • Romulus and Remus were delivered through cesarean section.
  • Another pup named Khaleesi was born later via natural delivery.