Genetic Breakthrough Could Save Thousands from Extinction

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In a world grappling with unprecedented environmental changes and a rapidly escalating extinction crisis, innovative solutions are urgently needed to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity. A recent groundbreaking study has emerged, suggesting that cutting-edge gene editing technologies could play a pivotal role in reviving lost genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of endangered species. This international collaboration of scientists is advocating for the integration of genome engineering into conservation efforts before it becomes too late.

Published on July 18 in the esteemed journal Nature Reviews Biodiversity, the article presents a compelling case for harnessing gene editing as a transformative tool in the field of biodiversity conservation. The authors, a multidisciplinary team of conservation geneticists and biotechnologists, explore the promises and challenges of applying gene editing technologies, which have already shown great success in agriculture and de-extinction initiatives, to the conservation of endangered species.

Co-led by Professor Cock van Oosterhout from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Dr Stephen Turner from Colossal Biosciences, the team highlights that gene editing could be instrumental in recovering genetic diversity lost by species on the brink of extinction. By leveraging historical samples—such as DNA extracted from museum collections and biobanks, as well as from closely related species—scientists can potentially rejuvenate the genetic health of these vulnerable populations.

“We are currently facing the fastest environmental change in Earth’s history,” stated Professor van Oosterhout. “Many species have lost the genetic variation necessary for adaptation and survival. Gene engineering offers a viable pathway to restore that variation, whether by reintroducing DNA from immune-system genes lost over time or borrowing climate-tolerance genes from closely related species.”

The necessity of embracing technological advancements alongside traditional conservation methods is underscored in their findings. While conservation successes like captive breeding and habitat protection have been instrumental in boosting population numbers, they often fall short of replenishing the genetic diversity that diminishes during population crashes.

As species rebound, they may remain genetically compromised, burdened by a high load of harmful mutations—a phenomenon referred to as genomic erosion. Without timely intervention, these recovered populations could find themselves ill-equipped to face emerging threats, such as new diseases or changing climate conditions.

One poignant example is the pink pigeon, a species that has been brought back from the brink of extinction in Mauritius. Once dwindling to a mere ten individuals, the population now exceeds 600 thanks to decades of dedicated captive-breeding and reintroduction efforts. However, research reveals that despite this recovery, the pink pigeon is still experiencing significant genomic erosion, placing it at risk of extinction within the next 50 to 100 years. The pressing challenge now is to restore the genetic diversity it has lost, a feat that gene editing could feasibly achieve.

The potential of gene editing technologies is already well established in agriculture, where crops engineered for pest and drought resistance cover vast expanses of farmland worldwide. Recent discussions surrounding the resurrection of extinct species have further spotlighted the capabilities of these technologies. Dr Beth Shapiro, Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences, remarked, “The same technological advances that allow us to introduce mammoth genes into the genome of an elephant can also be harnessed to rescue species that are teetering on the brink of extinction. It is our moral obligation to reduce the extinction risk faced by countless species today.”

In their article, the scientists delineate three key applications for gene editing within the realm of conservation:

• Restoring lost variation: This involves reintroducing genetic diversity that has been lost from the gene pool of modern populations of endangered species. By utilising DNA from historical samples stored in natural history museums worldwide, scientists can begin to restore the genetic health of these populations.
• Facilitated adaptation: This application focuses on introducing genes from closely related species that are better adapted to current environmental conditions. By equipping endangered species with traits such as heat tolerance or pathogen resistance, gene editing can enhance their capacity to adapt to rapid environmental changes.
• Reducing harmful mutations: Populations that have previously experienced significant declines often carry harmful mutations that have become fixed within their gene pool. Targeted gene editing can replace these detrimental mutations with healthier variants, potentially improving fertility, survival rates, and overall health.

However, the authors are careful to address the associated risks of gene editing, including off-target genetic modifications and the potential for further reductions in genetic diversity. They advocate for a cautious approach, emphasising the importance of phased, small-scale trials and rigorous long-term monitoring of both evolutionary and ecological impacts. Engaging with local communities, indigenous groups, and the broader public before implementing these technologies on a larger scale is also deemed essential.

Importantly, the authors stress that genetic interventions should complement, rather than replace, traditional conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and species protection. Associate Professor Hernán Morales from the Globe Institute remarked, “Biodiversity faces unprecedented threats that demand unprecedented solutions. Genome editing is not a replacement for species protection and will never be a magical fix; its role must be carefully evaluated alongside established conservation strategies as part of a broader, integrated approach where species protection remains the guiding principle.”

Moreover, biotech-driven initiatives have the potential to attract new investors and experts to the field, thereby generating additional benefits for ongoing endangered species programmes. As the urgency to address biodiversity loss grows, the integration of advanced technologies like gene editing into conservation strategies may be one of the most promising avenues for preserving the planet’s most vulnerable species.

The findings and recommendations outlined in the article “Genome engineering in biodiversity conservation and restoration,” authored by Cock van Oosterhout and colleagues, serve as a call to action for conservationists, policymakers, and the public alike. As we stand at a critical juncture for the future of our planet’s biodiversity, the adoption of innovative solutions is essential to ensure a thriving, diverse ecosystem for generations to come.

As champions of net zero and environmental sustainability, it is our duty to remain informed and engaged with these developments in conservation technology. Together, we can advocate for responsible approaches that honour both scientific advancement and the intricate balance of our natural world.

Stay tuned for more insights and updates on the intersection of technology and conservation in our ongoing journey towards a sustainable future.