A breakthrough in genetic engineering has Colossal Biosciences closer to reviving the dodo bird from extinction. The team aims to release flocks within five to seven years, with a goal of building enough healthy birds to survive in the wild while avoiding mistakes made previously.
The plan involves growing pigeon reproductive cells and preparing gene-edited chickens as surrogate hosts. Pigeons are the closest living relatives of the dodo and serve as a starting template for genetic editing. Chickens will carry pigeon germ cells, which will be edited using CRISPR technology to produce offspring with desired traits.
A key finding is that researchers have successfully kept pigeon germ cells dividing for months and shown they can migrate to the gonads of both pigeons and chickens. The team has also developed a recipe to adjust insulin levels and growth factors to help cells multiply without losing their identity.
The company emphasizes a measured pace, with ecological monitoring and fail safes in place to prevent harm to humans or other species. However, some researchers warn against overpromising, raising questions about the authenticity of the final birds and the ethics of genetic rescue.
This breakthrough highlights the potential for genetic engineering to support conservation efforts, particularly for species like island pigeons that are declining today. The study’s findings have important implications for biobanking, storing living cell lines long-term, and restoring lost variation to tiny populations.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-breakthrough-paves-the-way-for-the-return-of-the-dodo-bird