For years, fans of Game of Thrones and history buffs alike have been fascinated by the myth of the dire wolf — a powerful, mysterious creature that once roamed the Earth. Extinct for thousands of years, the dire wolf was thought to be lost to time. But thanks to advancements in biotechnology, these ancient canines have been brought back to life. Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech company, has successfully achieved the de-extinction of the dire wolf. Here's how they managed this awe-inspiring feat.
What Exactly Are Dire Wolves?
Dire wolves were large, carnivorous canines that once dominated the Americas during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene epochs, roughly between 125,000 and 10,000 years ago. Known for their impressive size and strength, these wolves typically had white fur, as detailed by the team at Colossal Biosciences.
The Path to De-Extinction
How did Colossal Biosciences manage to revive a species that had been gone for millennia? According to their official statement, the team embarked on a detailed process that included multiple cutting-edge genetic techniques:
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DNA Extraction and Sequencing: Scientists retrieved and sequenced ancient DNA from two dire wolf fossils, enabling them to access critical genetic information.
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Genome Assembly and Comparison: They then reconstructed the ancient genomes and compared them with the genomes of modern canids — wolves, foxes, jackals, and dholes — to identify the specific genetic traits of dire wolves.
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Gene Identification: The team pinpointed genetic variants that were unique to dire wolves, including markers for a white coat color and thick, long fur.
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Gene Editing: Using the closest living relative of the dire wolf, the gray wolf, Colossal's researchers performed precise multiplex gene editing to introduce the dire wolf’s traits into the donor genome.
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Cloning and Embryo Transfer: The final steps involved cloning high-quality cell lines and transferring them into the egg cells of a surrogate wolf. After a successful pregnancy, the team was able to welcome the first-born dire wolf pups, marking a monumental achievement in de-extinction.
The Visionaries Behind the Project
At the helm of this incredible project is George Church, a renowned geneticist, molecular engineer, and chemist who co-founded Colossal Biosciences. Church, a professor at Harvard University and a founder of dozens of biotech companies, is widely recognized for his work in genetic engineering. Named to Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017, Church’s pioneering work in biotechnology has set the stage for groundbreaking innovations like the de-extinction of the dire wolf.
Speaking about the project, Church emphasized the importance of genetic diversity in conservation. He explained, “Before we lose species like the red wolf, we must focus on preserving and expanding genetic diversity. Technologies like ancient DNA sequencing and multiplex gene editing are helping us resurrect lost species — and the dire wolf is a prime example of how far we’ve come.”
Colossal’s CEO: Ben Lamm
Behind the scenes at Colossal is CEO Ben Lamm, a billionaire entrepreneur with a net worth of $3.7 billion, as reported by Forbes. Lamm is thrilled with the company’s success in reviving the dire wolf. In a recent statement, he expressed pride in his team’s work: “This achievement marks a pivotal moment in our journey. We’ve demonstrated that our de-extinction technology works, and this is just the beginning.”
Lamm went on to describe the team’s efforts in bringing the extinct species back to life: “We took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull, and from that, we created healthy dire wolf pups. It’s a clear example of how advanced technology can achieve what was once thought impossible. The potential impact on conservation is immeasurable.”
