On Tuesday, Colossal announced the successful simultaneous editing of seven genes in mice embryos, resulting in mice with long, thick, woolly hair. These extra-furry rodents were affectionately dubbed as “Colossal woolly mouse.” The results of the experiment were shared online but have yet to be published in a scientific journal or scrutinized by independent scientists.
Vincent Lynch, a biologist from the University of Buffalo, praised the technological achievement, noting that advancements like CRISPR have made genetic engineering in mice more efficient and easier than ever before. Colossal’s scientists combed through DNA databases to identify genes linked to hair texture and fat metabolism. They combined these genetic variations, already present in some mice, to create a single mouse with both traits.
The choice of traits was inspired by the necessity of cold tolerance, a quality essential for the survival of woolly mammoths in the frigid Arctic environment. Colossal aims to further refine the process by working with Asian elephants, the closest living relatives to woolly mammoths. However, due to the endangered status of Asian elephants, there are significant hurdles and regulations that must be navigated before any progress can be made.
Colossal, a company that has secured over $400 million in funding, sees potential in using gene editing to recreate extinct species like woolly mammoths. Their initial success with mice embryos serves as a proof of concept for their ambitious plans.
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