The Science that brought back the 'dire wolf'

We’re officially living in the age of de-extinction.

Colossal, a biotech company, has made history by using ancient DNA and cutting-edge gene editing to bring back the dire wolf—an apex predator that roamed the Earth over 10,000 years ago. While the idea might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, it’s very real. So, how did they do it? Let’s break down the science behind this groundbreaking achievement.

Unlocking ancient DNA

The first step in this ambitious project was extracting DNA from two ancient samples: a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. These samples provided the genetic blueprint for the dire wolf, and Colossal’s scientists mapped its entire genome. But there was still one big challenge—how to bring this ancient creature back to life.

To do this, they compared the dire wolf’s DNA to that of its closest living relative, the gray wolf. This step revealed the 20 key genetic differences responsible for the dire wolf’s distinctive traits. From its larger teeth and wider head to its more powerful muscles and signature howl, the dire wolf’s genetic code was far different from that of the gray wolf.

Gene editing in action

Here’s where the science takes a leap into the future. Rather than cloning the dire wolf directly, Colossal used CRISPR-style gene editing to make precise changes to the DNA of live gray wolves. They focused on 14 specific genes, using endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)—cells that form blood vessels—as the starting point. EPCs were harvested from the gray wolves, and these cells’ genetic makeup was altered to include the 20 dire wolf traits.

The gene-editing process wasn’t without its challenges. Some genetic traits, like the ones responsible for the dire wolf’s light-colored coat, could cause hearing or vision problems in gray wolves. But Colossal’s team was able to modify these traits, ensuring that the changes would only produce the desirable features without harmful side effects.

The birth of three dire wolf pups

Once the gene editing was complete, the next step was to put the edited DNA into action. The modified nuclei were inserted into donor eggs from gray wolves, and these embryos were implanted into surrogate hound dogs. After 65 days of gestation, three healthy pups were born via C-section: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

This is where the magic happens—these pups are, in essence, dire wolves, brought back through a combination of ancient DNA and cutting-edge gene editing technology. These pups are a living testament to the possibilities of modern science.

Beyond de-extinction: Solving real-world problems

But Colossal isn’t stopping with the dire wolf. The company is also using these gene-editing techniques to tackle pressing environmental issues, such as the genetic bottleneck in endangered species. One of their ongoing projects involves boosting the genetic diversity of the pink pigeon, an endangered bird species from Mauritius. Using genetically edited germ cells and chicken eggs as hosts, Colossal aims to increase genetic diversity and help bolster the species’ population.

While this may sound like something out of Jurassic Park, Colossal’s work is very real—and it’s changing the landscape of conservation and genetics. The technology they’re pioneering doesn’t just bring back extinct animals; it’s helping to solve some of the most significant challenges in biodiversity and conservation today.

The future of evolution

What Colossal is doing goes far beyond a simple revival of ancient creatures. This is frontier science at its finest, reshaping our understanding of cloning, genetic engineering, and conservation. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with genetics, we’re not just rewriting the rules of extinction—we’re paving the way for a new era of evolutionary possibility. The future is here, and it’s as wild and unpredictable as the creatures we’ve brought back to life.