First Successful De-Extinction of Dire Wolf by Colossal Biosciences

Context

In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, Colossal Biosciences has successfully revived the extinct Dire Wolf using advanced gene-editing and cloning technologies.

The Dire Wolf, which vanished over 10,000–13,000 years ago, has now been brought back with the birth of three pups.

Relevance:

GS-03 (Science and technology)

Key Highlights

The Science Behind the De-Extinction

Method Used: Instead of traditional cloning, scientists used endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from gray wolves, the closest living relatives of Dire Wolves.
Gene Editing: These cells were then edited to match ancient Dire Wolf DNA extracted from 2 ancient samples.
This marks the first successful case of de-extinction of a long-lost species using this hybrid technique.

Future Projects

Colossal Biosciences is also working on reviving the Pink Pigeon (native to Mauritius) using primordial germ cells (PGCs) from fertilized eggs.
PGCs are embryonic cells that eventually develop into sperm and eggs, enabling the transfer of genetic traits across generations.

What is cloning?

Cloning refers to the process of creating genetically identical organisms.
There are 2 types of cloning:
- Reproductive Cloning: Used for creating entire living organisms. E.g. Dolly the sheep (1996)
- Therapeutic Cloning: Used for scientific or medical research by cloning embryos.
Common Methods:
- Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)
- Embryo Splitting

Ethical Concerns

Animal Commodification: Raises concerns of treating animals as tools for human benefit.
Violation of Bioethics: Interferes with natural reproduction; risk of creating “designer babies.”
Kantian Ethics: Criticizes cloning as unethical under the principles of human dignity and mutual respect.

(Prelims Practice Question)

Q. With reference to cloning, consider the following statements:

Therapeutic cloning aims to produce genetically identical individuals for reproduction.
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a commonly used method for cloning.
Kantian ethics supports cloning under the principle of scientific freedom.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: B. 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect – Therapeutic cloning is used for research, not reproduction.

Statement 3 is incorrect – Kantian ethics opposes cloning, citing moral principles.