Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotechnology firm, is doing some pretty remarkable stuff these days trying to revive the dodo bird. This flightless species was more than 300 years extinct. On September 17, 2023, the company announced it successfully grew primordial germ cells from the rock dove, commonly known as the pigeon. This exciting development is a major milestone in their bold vision to connect a world-class regional transit network. They want to resurrect the dodo and rewild it into its original home, Mauritius.
The company’s odyssey started with years of research, developing and then screening more than 300 possible “recipes” to grow pigeon primordial germ cells. Ultimately, they found one that let these cells flourish for an extraordinary 60 days. This new advancement opens the door to future genetic engineering work to try and recreate the dodo’s genome.
Transformative Advances in Avian Conservation
Beth Shapiro, chief science officer at Colossal Biosciences, has said she is hopeful about the company’s recent breakthrough. She noted that the capacity to grow primordial germ cells is a groundbreaking tool for bird conservation, species restoration, and management.
“By developing these protocols,” Shapiro said in the press release, “we’re establishing crucial biobanking capabilities and opening new possibilities for genetic rescue of endangered species.”
Colossal Biosciences is moving into the next stage of their venture. They will general edit primordial germ cells with genetic material from the Nicobar pigeon, the nearest living relative of the dodo bird. That Nicobar genome will be used as a scaffold to piece together a genome resembling the DNA of the long-extinct bird. After this, the genome-edited cells will then be implanted into chicken embryos in order to allow further development to occur.
Anna Keyte, the avian de-extinction director at Colossal Biosciences, commented on the specificity of their success with this novel recipe.
“The recipe has not worked on any other [bird species] tested, even closely related species like quail,” Keyte remarked.
Broader De-Extinction Goals
Colossal Biosciences isn’t only working to bring back the dodo. They are more recently actively pursuing de-extinction projects for other species including the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger. The company views these initiatives as fundamental to the business’ approach to biodiversity and nature-based ecological restoration.
Gene editing is playing a key role. Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, emphasized the significance of their recent breakthroughs in avian 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.
He noted that this achievement underscores Colossal’s commitment to continuing to invest in de-extinction technologies. Beyond inciting discovery, these innovations almost double the impact on conservation. This is a super-sized investment that matters.
Establishing a Breeding Colony
In order to fulfill their ambitious vision, Colossal Biosciences has set up a breeding colony of Nicobar pigeons in Texas. This facility is absolutely critical for researchers. It allows them to create and perfect the Nicobar pigeon’s primordial germ cells, laying the groundwork for gene editing in the future.
The ultimate goal remains clear: to rewild the resurrected dodo in Mauritius, where it once thrived before falling victim to extinction in the 17th century. The company’s rare, hybrid approach—melding genetic engineering with conservation science—is what sets them apart. This cutting-edge approach might usher in new techniques for stitching together once-lost ecosystems.