The disappearance of the Tasmanian tiger, also known as Thylacine, may no longer be irreversible. Specialists at Colossal Biosciences reported significant progress in the project to bring back this predatory marsupial. The company announced that the Thylacine genome has been restored by 99.9%, with plans to fill in the remaining 45 gaps in the coming months through additional sequencing techniques.
Scientists were able to identify long RNA molecules from the preserved head of a more than 110-year-old Thylacine. The sample stored in ethanol provided valuable data for researchers. Chief researcher at Colossal, Bet Shapiro, noted the high quality of this ancient sample, which will enhance methods for working with ancient DNA.
The preserved head of the Thylacine provided access to RNA from key areas like the tongue, nasal cavity, brain, and eyes. This breakthrough will lead to a deeper understanding of the physiological characteristics of the Thylacine, including taste perception, sense of smell, and brain function. Researcher Andrew Park from the University of Melbourne highlighted that these findings will aid in restoring not just the appearance but also the functional traits of the species.
The revival process involves genetic alterations in a close relative of the Thylacine, a small predatory marsupial known as the thick-tailed dunnart. This tiny animal is ideal for DNA editing experiments. Scientists have already begun making genetic changes to transform the dunnart into a Thylacine-like cell.
Colossal Biosciences experts have introduced over 300 unique genetic modifications to dunnart cells, making them the most genetically altered animal cells globally. According to Park, the team is utilizing cutting-edge methods to explore evolutionary genome regions and decipher gene functions, bringing them closer to achieving the goal of reviving the extinct species.
The Thylacine revival project extends beyond Australia. Last year, Swedish scientists successfully restored and sequenced RNA from a 130-year-old sample stored in the Museum of Natural History, marking another significant milestone in species restoration.
Thylacines inhabited Tasmania for thousands of years. Despite being called the “Tasmanian Tiger,” Thylacines were marsupials like kangaroos and koalas. By the late 19th century, the Tasmanian government offered