Dodo De-Extinction Receives $120M at $10.32B Valuation

Dodo Revival Inches Closer: Colossal Biosciences Achieves Avian Breakthrough and Secures $320 Million Funding

Colossal Biosciences,a leader in de-extinction efforts,has announced a major advancement in avian cellular science,bringing the revival of the dodo – extinct for almost three centuries – closer to reality. The Colossal Avian Genetics Group has, for the first time, successfully grown primordial germ cells (PGCs) from pigeons, a critical step in the dodo de-extinction process. This achievement is bolstered by a significant $120 million funding boost from investors including USIT,Bob Nelsen,and Peter Jackson.

This new investment adds to a previous $200 million, completing a $320 million Series C round. since its founding in September 2021,Colossal has raised over $555 million,valuing the company at approximately $10.32 billion.

Following recent announcements regarding the de-extinction of the Moa, this funding will allow Colossal to expand its Avian Genetics Group.The team has also engineered a unique flock of gene-edited chickens, potentially serving as surrogates for dodos and other endangered bird species. Moreover, they’ve developed new genomic resources for exotic and endangered pigeons, pinpointing key areas for genetic editing in the dodo revival project. these advancements accelerate de-extinction and enhance tools for bird biodiversity conservation.

Colossal has also established the Mauritius dodo Advisory Committee,comprised of experts in Mauritian culture and history. This ensures local conservation efforts are respected and supported, and will aid in developing a reintroduction program for the dodo in its native Mauritius.

A key challenge in de-extinction is transforming modified cells into living organisms. While cloning via somatic cell nuclear transfer works for mammals, it’s unfeasible with birds due to egg structure. Instead, Colossal focuses on culturing and editing primordial germ cells, which can develop into eggs or sperm, successfully transmitting genetic edits to future generations.

Prior to this milestone,PGC culture was limited to chickens and geese. The success with pigeon pgcs represents a significant breakthrough. Establishing the pigeon PGC culture method required exploring over 300 combinations of growth factors, ultimately yielding cells that have thrived for over two months, doubling approximately every 35 hours and demonstrating the ability to migrate to the gonads when injected into surrogate embryos – confirming their functionality. The team will continue to utilize these cells for genetic engineering.

This technology extends beyond de-extinction, offering new conservation avenues, especially for endangered species like the Mauritian pink pigeon. Advancements in PGC culture can restore lost genetic variation, engineer disease resistance, and biobank cells to safeguard against further genetic loss.

Generating edited PGCs is just the initial step in a more complex process.

Colossal Biosciences Advances Avian Conservation with Dodo and Solitaire Genome Projects

Recent breakthroughs by Colossal Biosciences and its partners are paving the way for potential genetic rescue of extinct and endangered bird species, including the iconic dodo and the Rodrigues solitaire. These efforts combine advanced genome editing technologies with a commitment to understanding the ecological roles these birds once played. The work highlights a growing field focused on “de-extinction” and the broader implications for avian conservation.

Breakthroughs in Avian Germ Cell Culturing

A significant hurdle in genetic rescue has been the ability to obtain and culture primordial germ cells – the precursors to eggs and sperm – from avian species. Colossal Biosciences has announced a breakthrough in culturing primordial germ cells from pigeons, a crucial step towards applying these techniques to other birds.

Anna Keyte, Avian Species Director, emphasized the importance of this progress: “This breakthrough in culturing pigeon primordial germ cells represents a transformative tool for avian conservation. By developing these protocols,we’re establishing crucial biobanking capabilities and opening new possibilities for genetic rescue of endangered species.” https://colossalbiosciences.com/news/pigeon-primordial-germ-cells/

This capability allows for the creation of a “biobank” of genetic material, preserving the potential for future restoration efforts.It also allows scientists to explore gene editing possibilities, prioritizing traits that could benefit avian populations.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Dodo and Rodrigues Solitaire

Colossal Biosciences is actively working on reconstructing the genome of the dodo ( Raphus cucullatus), a flightless bird native to Mauritius that went extinct in the 17th century. The project leverages samples collected by paleontologist Julian Hume from cave sites on Rodrigues, an island near Mauritius.

Julian Hume,Paleontologist at the Natural History Museum in London and Tring,explained the meaning of the genome project: “The solitaire was a large flightless bird that was similar in many ways to the dodo but also behaviorally and physically distinct. Colossal’s genome will allow new insights into the genetic reasons underlying the differences between these birds and highlight what DNA sequences made the dodo distinct.”

Understanding the genetic differences between the dodo and its closest relative, the Rodrigues solitaire, is crucial for understanding the evolutionary pressures that shaped these species. This knowledge can inform conservation strategies for existing, related species.

A Collaborative Approach with Local Communities

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Colossal Biosciences has established the Mauritius Dodo Advisory Committee (MDAC). This committee, chaired by Devina Lobine, Ph.D., Research Officer at the Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology, will ensure that the project aligns with the needs and values of the Mauritian community.

devina Lobine stated: “Driven by a deep passion for scientific discoveries and inspired by the dream of seeing the dodo walk the earth once more, I am pleased to lead the Mauritius Dodo Advisory Committee. This journey is more than reviving a lost species-it is indeed about honouring our island’s unique heritage.” https://colossalbiosciences.com/news/mauritius-dodo-advisory-committee/

The MDAC will focus on genomics research updates, biodiversity, environmental restoration, and the long-term wellbeing of the Mauritian community. This collaborative approach is vital for ensuring the ethical and sustainable implementation of any potential de-extinction efforts.

The Broader Implications for Avian Conservation

These projects aren’t solely about bringing back extinct species. Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s Chief Science Officer, highlights the importance of understanding what is being lost as bird species decline: “it [is] possible for us to prioritize our gene editing but also helping us to understand what we’re losing as bird species become increasingly rare and possibly extinct.”

The research provides valuable insights into avian genetics, evolution, and the impact of environmental change.This knowledge can be applied to conservation efforts for currently endangered species, helping to bolster their resilience and prevent further extinctions.

Key Takeaways:

* germ cell Culturing: Colossal Biosciences has achieved a breakthrough in culturing pigeon primordial germ cells, a critical step for avian genetic rescue.
* Genome Reconstruction: The genomes of the dodo and Rodrigues solitaire are being reconstructed to understand their evolutionary history and genetic distinctiveness.
* Community Engagement: The Mauritius Dodo Advisory Committee ensures that the dodo project aligns with the values and needs of the Mauritian community.
* Conservation Applications: The research provides valuable insights for conserving existing endangered bird species.

Looking Ahead

the work being done by Colossal Biosciences and its partners represents a significant advancement in the field of conservation genetics. While the prospect of “de-extinction” remains a complex and debated