Colossal Biosciences revealed on Wednesday the launch of an innovative AI platform designed to enhance its initiatives aimed at resurrecting extinct species, according to hinews. The platform, named GenoMorph, employs sophisticated 3D morphology, comparative genomics, and developmental biology to pinpoint genes that could be modified in de-extinction endeavors, even when faced with limited genetic data. This technology is being utilized in the company’s quest to revive the dodo bird, for which genomic resources are scarce. For instance, the firm currently possesses only one dodo genome, in stark contrast to the 100 genomes available for its woolly mammoth de-extinction project. The DNA of the woolly mammoth is more accessible due to the preservation conditions afforded by the colder climates it inhabited, unlike the tropical environment of the dodo, as stated by the company.
“Typically, researchers can analyze numerous genomes to discern which genetic variations contribute to specific traits,” remarked Colossal CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm, as reported by hinews. “However, we lack that advantage with ancient DNA from extinct species, which is severely limited, and we can only obtain a few complete genomes.”
In developing GenoMorph, Lamm indicated that the company gathered extensive developmental data from “chickens, quail, ducks, and pigeons,” integrating it with “genetic information and 3D skull measurements from over 70 avian species.” He noted that the creation of this platform took more than a year and builds upon the company’s extensive experience in de-extinction.
“The AI discerns which DNA regions are active as various birds develop their beaks and facial structures, utilizing that data to forecast which genetic switches may have contributed to the dodo’s distinctive appearance,” he explained. He suggested envisioning the platform as a “treasure map for the dodo genome,” where instead of sifting through numerous potential genetic variations, GenoMorph assists the Colossal team in identifying only the significant genetic differences.
“To date, we have identified around 2,300 promising DNA editing targets for the dodo’s cranial facial morphology that we can now examine in the laboratory,” he continued. He stated that GenoMorph will aid the company in addressing one of its primary challenges in de-extinction efforts — determining which alterations genuinely render an extinct species unique. However, Lamm emphasized that scientists must also verify whether these edits can produce the desired physical traits.
“We have developed a novel system that employs lipid nanoparticles to deliver gene-editing tools directly into developing bird embryos,” he stated. This advancement will enable the team to observe how specific genetic alterations influence bird development “without the need to wait for an entire breeding cycle that necessitates birds reaching sexual maturity.”
The company also announced on Wednesday that its Nicobar pigeon colony has expanded to 36 birds and that it has successfully generated the essential cells that evolve into eggs and sperm. “Since the Nicobar pigeon is the dodo’s closest living relative, these cells are a vital component of our strategy for producing birds that exhibit dodo traits,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the company aims to validate the predictions made by GenoMorph in a laboratory setting. “What excites us the most is that we are approaching a stage where the various technologies we have been developing are beginning to converge and benefit other projects we are pursuing in entirely different areas of the biological spectrum,” Lamm added.
When questioned about the safety of this gene-editing method, Lamm asserted that the objective of creating a technology like GenoMorph is to render genetic engineering “more precise, controlled, and testable.” He clarified that the product itself does not perform gene edits but aids their team in identifying which genetic modifications warrant further exploration.
“Identifying a potential edit does not imply that we will immediately implement it in an animal or assume its safety,” he elaborated. “The more accurately we can pinpoint and validate these changes, the more informed our decisions will be throughout the process.”
Meanwhile, Colossal Biosciences’ latest technological advancement has already garnered support from XPRIZE founder Peter Diamandis. Diamandis, who is an investor in Colossal, announced on Wednesday the establishment of a new venture capital firm, NeoGenesis Capital, aimed at supporting companies utilizing Colossal Biosciences’ programmable biology platform across health, agriculture, and conservation sectors.
