DNA analysis – BioQuakes

Colossal Biosciences’ recent discovery sparked both fascination and skepticism: three genetically engineered wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—have been introduced as the first step toward dire wolf “de-extinction”. These animals, which went extinct more than 10,000 years ago, have become famous in both science and popular culture. However, many scholars believe the story is more complex.. The pups are not exact genetic replicas of Aenocyon dirus (the original dire wolf species), but rather gray wolves whose genomes were edited to resemble certain physical traits of dire wolves.

Instead of reconstructing the full dire wolf genome, Colossal scientists retrieved fragmented DNA from 13,000- and 72,000-year-old fossils and compared those fragments to the complete genome of the gray wolf. They identified key differences and made 20 specific edits to gray wolf cells. For example, modifications to the CORIN gene contributed to the pups’ light-colored fur. After editing, nuclei from these cells were inserted into denucleated dog egg cells via a cloning technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer. The resulting embryos were implanted into surrogate dogs and delivered via C-section.

While these pups exhibit dire wolf-like traits, they are not genetically identical to true dire wolves. This has sparked criticism within the scientific community. Paleoecologist Jacquelyn Gill argues that the absence of a full dire wolf genome disqualifies these animals from being considered de-extinct. Others, like Colossal’s chief science officer Beth Shapiro, defend the work as a legitimate revival of extinct characteristics, even if the animals themselves are not exact replicas.

Still, the technology involved holds real promise for conservation. Colossal is also working with endangered red wolves (Canis rufus), using similar genetic techniques to introduce lost ancestral traits and increase genetic diversity. These efforts may offer long-term solutions to preserving critically endangered species by equipping them with greater resilience to disease.

This article connects to what we’ve learned in AP Biology about how mutations in DNA affect protein function and influence phenotype. In Colossal’s study, scientists analyzed ancient DNA fragments from dire wolf fossils and compared them to the gray wolf genome to identify genetic differences at specific loci—locations of genes on chromosomes. Using this information, they edited 20 genes in gray wolf cells to match the sequences found in dire wolves. We learned a mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can affect the structure or function of a resulting protein, and phenotype is the observable trait determined by genotype. When a gene’s nucleotide sequence is changed, it can lead to the production of a different protein during translation, altering the organism’s traits. In this study, those changes were inherited in the cells used for cloning, demonstrating how scientists can directly manipulate the genetic code to produce specific phenotypes by targeting mutations.

I think it is interesting how small changes to DNA sequences can lead to major differences in physical traits. This research shows how much information about an organism’s traits is stored at the molecular level. Do you think using gene editing to recreate traits from extinct species is a valuable scientific goal? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Wild African Giraffes

Wait- What?

Yes! According to the Article titled “Giraffes more speciose than expected“, recent studies in Current Biology have found evidence that leads to the conclusion that there are indeed four distinct Giraffe species. These are very unexpected results as until now, only one distinct species of Giraffe has been recognized. Senckenberg and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s scientists have analyzed nuclear markers of numerous animals in an effort to protect and preserve the population of endangered species in Africa.

Why Haven’t We Known This in the Past?

The Giraffe species’ biology has past been poorly explored and understood by scientists which seems counterintuitive given their magnitude both physically and socially. In the past, it was concluded that the Giraffe species includes nine subspecies with different horn makeup, coat patterns, and preferred environment. However, currently this assumption is under close review as the genetics of Giraffe’s has been studied meticulously. Does this timing surprise you? It definitely surprised me!

More Details About the Four Species

Professor Axel Janke, researcher at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research and Professor at the Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany noted that these four species do not mate with each other in the wild, meaning they only mate with their alike species. The four species binomial nomenclature and common name are as follows; Giraffa giraffa or Southern Giraffe, G. tippelskirchi or Masai Giraffe, G. reticulata or Reticulated Giraffe, and G. camelopardalis or Northern Giraffe. Connecting to the biology curriculum, binomial naming consists of two parts: the generic name and the specific name. Usually these forms are Latinized. Formalized by Carl Linnaeus, this naming structure is very helpful in identifying species and variations of species, or subspecies, and it is essential to the biological community. To construct this conclusion, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation gathered skin samples from numerous subspecies of Giraffe, and scientists at Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and Senckenberg Natural History Collections analyzed their DNA. This DNA was traced back to their common ancestors from about .4-2 million years ago, which confirms the evidence of more than one species.

What now?/ My Opinion

These findings create even more urgency to protect the dwindling Giraffe population. With four distinct Giraffe species sharing an environment, it is imperative that humans do not interfere with their survival. I think it is so important to protect the population of all endangered animals, including Giraffes. Do you think there are other animals out there with unknown distinct species? From what I have researched, I can confidently say that I believe so!

BioQuakes

AP Biology class blog for discussing current research in Biology

Tag: DNA analysis

Reviving Dire Wolf Traits Through Targeted Gene Editing

Four Distinct Giraffe Species?!

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