The revival of extinct species has long fascinated scientists and the public alike, with advancements in genetic engineering tempting the boundaries of what was once considered impossible. Today, Colossal Biosciences announces significant progress in this arena as it endeavors to bring the dodo back to life. Despite the extinct status of the flightless bird from Mauritius, modern technology and considerable funding seem to offer a glimmer of possibility. The company‘s ambitious projects, while controversial, aim to spark discussions about both scientific potential and ethical considerations.
Colossal Biosciences, based in Texas, is significantly funded for its de-extinction projects. Recently, it raised $200 million with additional investments this year, reaching over $10.3 billion in valuation. Historically, the company’s focus has not wavered with high-profile projects like reviving the woolly mammoth and Tasmanian tiger complementing the dodo initiative. Previously, challenges primarily included securing potent cells for genetic editing; however, today’s advancements in culturing pigeon primordial germ cells have changed this landscape.
How Far Has Colossal Progressed?
The organization has successfully cultured pigeon primordial germ cells, a precursor development in bird genetic engineering. This milestone is critical, showing potential usage beyond chickens and geese. The breakthrough allows incorporation of ancient DNA traits to develop new bird generations, thereby advancing the company’s mission of bringing back extinct creatures. Colossal CEO Ben Lamm highlighted the significance of this achievement, particularly its implications for dodo de-extinction.
“Our avian team’s breakthrough in deriving culture conditions that allow pigeon primordial germ cells to survive long-term is a significant advancement for dodo de-extinction,”
Lamm stated.
Can the Nicobar Pigeon Pave the Way for the Dodo?
Unlike mammals, birds present unique challenges in de-extinction efforts due to the impossibility of cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer. As a workaround, Colossal plans to edit the germ cells of Nicobar pigeons to create embryos capable of yielding dodo-like offspring. The hope is that one day, a chicken might lay an egg originally containing Nicobar pigeon traits—potentially laying the path to producing a dodo.
To further support its conservation endeavors, the creation of the Mauritius Dodo Advisory Committee signifies Colossal’s commitment to culturally sensitive initiatives. Devina Lobine, chair of the committee, emphasized the cultural importance of the dodo recovery project, noting the broader implications for biodiversity on the island.
“This journey is more than reviving a lost species—it is about honoring our island’s unique heritage,”
Lobine commented.
Adding to its roster, Colossal’s projects involve the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, and more recently, the moa—a 12-foot flightless bird native to New Zealand. Collaboration with entities like the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre supports the cultural and ecological considerations of such endeavors, displaying the company’s awareness of the multifaceted impacts of species revival.
Colossal’s research underscores a broader potential for avian conservation. Methods developed through the approach may protect endangered species, including the Mauritian pink pigeon. Colossal’s Chief Science Officer Beth Shapiro noted the broader applications, citing the development of biobanking for genetic rescue as a vital tool for preserving biodiversity. While the ultimate goal involves dodo rewilding, the approach has short-term benefits for current conservation efforts.
