Genetically Engineered "Direwolves" Raise Controversy: Graywolves with a Shot of Direwolf DNA Unveiled
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Genetically Modified Grey Wolf, Displaying Elements of Shadow Wolves - Genetically modified gray wolf, boasting shadow wolf genetic traits
In an audacious move, a US-based bio-tech firm, Colossal Biosciences, has publicized three genetically modified grey wolves, claiming they're the long-lost direwolves. The company has named these hybrid pups: Romus, Remulus (males, born in October) and Khaleesi (female, born in January).
Colossal Biosciences promises these are the closest things to the direwolves that lived during the Pleistocene era (around 10,000 years ago). These light-furred wolves, claimed to have a resemblance to the extinct Aenocyon dirus species that once resided in North America, possess a distinctive appearance and a unique howl, according to the company.
The company made waves back in March with the introduction of a genetically altered "woolly mouse," boasting a fur structure similar to the extinct woolly mammoth. For the current canine project, Colossal Biosciences analyzed the genomic remains of two direwolves that lived approximately 13,000 and 72,000 years ago in the US. By comparing these ancient genomes with contemporary wolves' genes, the team identified the likely genetic traits of the extinct dire wolves.
Subsequently, they engineered the gray wolf (Canis lupus) genome at 20 locations in 14 genes. In total, the genome of gray wolves harbors approximately 19,000 genes, implying that the hybrids are more closely related to gray wolves than dire wolves. The altered cell nuclei were then inserted into enucleated egg cells from a donor and gestated by dog mothers.
Scientific Community Expresses Caution
Independent experts express hesitancy regarding Colossal Biosciences' claims. "These are essentially grey wolf cubs with possibly a hint of characteristics similar to the direwolf, but it's mostly speculative," says Nic Rawlence, a zoologist from the University of Otago in New Zealand.
"True resurrection of direwolves would require cloning," Rawlence emphasizes. "And unfortunately, that's currently impossible due to the poor preservation of DNA from extinct species," he adds.
Philip Seddon, another University of Otago researcher, speaks of remarkable technological advancements but states that "Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi are not direwolves; they're genetically modified grey wolves." Besides, both species are not even distantly related, with their last common ancestor likely roaming the planet around six million years ago.
Colossal Biosciences' Aspirations Extend Beyond Direwolves
Co-founded by renowned Harvard scientist George Church, Colossal Biosciences aspires to create cold-resistant, mammoth-like elephants. A step towards this goal was the presentation of golden-furred angora mice a month ago, whose genes were modified to mimic the hair texture and color of mammoths.
- Dallas
- Genetic Engineering
- Colossal Biosciences
- Direwolves
- The Commission, in light of the recent controversy surrounding Colossal Biosciences' genetically modified direwolves, might be asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the introduction of a new type of protection against the effects of the use of genetically modified organisms, particularly embryos, during the era of rapid genetic engineering.
- Although Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi are not direct descendants of direwolves, Dallas, the co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, is probably aiming to use the same technology to market cold-resistant, mammoth-like elephants in the near future.
- In the same manner that Genetic Engineering has led to the debate over the ethics of creating genetically modified organisms, such as genetically altered mammals like Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, the era might see the introduction of newer, more stringent regulations to balance the advancement of technology with the preservation of natural species.
