De-Extinction: Bringing Back the Dodo and Preventing Biodiversity Loss

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De-Extinction: Bringing Back the Dodo and Preventing Biodiversity Loss

Ms. Keyte, a biologist with a specialization in avian artificial reproductive technologies, began by highlighting the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss. She explained that her work at Colossal Biosciences focuses on developing innovative methods to increase bird populations, particularly through the de-extinction of the dodo.

She defined de-extinction as a three-pronged approach: bringing back animals with the core traits of their extinct counterparts, enabling them to fill their former ecological niches, and engineering resilience against modern threats like climate change and invasive species. Ms. Keyte emphasized that the goal is to create animals that are both physically and genetically similar to their extinct counterparts, equipped to thrive in today’s world.

The dodo, a large flightless pigeon driven to extinction within a century of its discovery in 1598, serves as a stark reminder of human-induced biodiversity loss. Ms. Keyte outlined the factors leading to its demise, including hunting, habitat loss, and the introduction of predators like rats, cats, and pigs by sailors. The dodo’s ground-nesting behavior, which had been successful before the arrival of these new threats, ultimately contributed to its extinction.

Colossal’s de-extinction project aims to revive four core dodo traits: body size, flightlessness, feather color, and its distinctive beak shape. The project leverages the close genetic relationship between the dodo and the Nicobar pigeon, which share 98% of their DNA. By comparing their genomes, scientists can identify the specific genes responsible for the dodo’s unique characteristics.

Ms. Keyte detailed the de-extinction process, which involves collecting primordial germ cells (PGCs) from Nicobar pigeon eggs. These PGCs, precursors to eggs and sperm, are then cultured and genetically edited to introduce dodo-specific traits. The modified PGCs are injected into surrogate chicken embryos, which have had their own PGCs removed to avoid competition. The resulting offspring will carry the dodo’s genetic modifications.

A crucial aspect of this process is the ability to grow avian PGCs in culture, a technique that has been challenging to adapt for species other than chickens. Ms. Keyte’s team has made significant progress in developing a culture recipe specifically for pigeon PGCs, a breakthrough with broader implications for bird conservation.

Beyond the dodo, the technologies developed by Colossal have far-reaching applications for protecting endangered bird species. Genome sequencing, biobanking, multiplex gene editing, population genomics, disease mitigation, and assisted reproductive technologies are all crucial tools for conservation efforts. For instance, biobanking allows for the preservation of genetic diversity from endangered species, while multiplex gene editing can help reintroduce lost genetic variations back into dwindling populations.

Ms. Keyte concluded by emphasizing that Colossal’s work extends beyond resurrecting extinct species. It’s about developing and utilizing cutting-edge technologies to combat the ongoing biodiversity crisis. She highlighted the critical role biodiversity plays in food security, disease prevention, medicinal innovation, and ecosystem stability. Colossal’s mission is not only to bring back what has been lost but also to prevent future extinctions and preserve the delicate balance of life on Earth.