Revolutionizing Genetics: How ‘Wooly Mice’ Pave the Way for Mammoth Gene Editing Breakthroughs

On Tuesday, the team at Colossal Biosciences shared exciting news about their project to bring back mammoth-like creatures. They introduced a new creation called “wooly mice,” which feature long, fuzzy fur similar to that of the woolly mammoth. This fur was developed by simultaneously editing up to seven genes linked to hair growth, color, and texture.

However, these are not mouse-mammoth hybrids. The genetic changes primarily come from research conducted on mice, not on actual mammoths. The important milestone here is the team’s ability to edit multiple genes at once—a key step in potentially altering the elephant genome to include traits resembling those of the mammoth.

Colossal Biosciences is known for its ambitious de-extinction projects, including efforts to revive the dodo bird and the thylacine, but their flagship initiative focuses on the mammoth. The plan involves using stem cells from elephants, their closest living relatives, and modifying these cells to mimic the genetic traits of extinct species.

Although elephants are a compelling choice due to their connection to mammoths, they present unique challenges. As the research paper notes, elephants have a lengthy 22-month gestation period and complex social dynamics. This makes rapid testing difficult and raises ethical questions about experimenting on endangered species.

To navigate these obstacles, the team decided to work with mice, which have been a staple in genetic research for over a century. Mice are easier to manipulate genetically, and researchers can use embryonic stem cells to pass on these traits to future generations.

Moreover, studying fur mutations in mice is straightforward. Through years of research, scientists have discovered many genetic variations that change a mouse’s fur—affecting its color, texture, and length. Identifying the DNA changes behind these traits has become a well-established process, making mice an ideal model for the team’s ambitious goals.

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