Woolly Mice

Woolly Mice Latest News 

Scientists have successfully edited mouse DNA with genes from the woolly mammoth, creating the world’s first furry “woolly mice.” This breakthrough provides insights into how ancient species adapted to extreme cold.

About Woolly Mice

• Genetic Modifications: The woolly mice have been genetically engineered by modifying seven genes that code for traits like hair length, thickness, and colour. These modifications include genes such as FGF5 for longer hair and MC1R for a golden coat.
• Purpose: The creation of woolly mice serves as a proof-of-concept for the feasibility of gene editing in de-extinction efforts. It demonstrates the ability to recreate complex genetic combinations that took nature millions of years to develop

How did the Scientists Create Woolly Mice?

• Identifying Mammoth Genes: Scientists first compared mammoth DNA with their closest living relative, the Asian elephant, to identify genetic differences related to hair length, thickness, texture, colour, and body fat.
• Selecting Relevant Traits: They selected 10 mammoth gene variants linked to these traits and matched them with similar known genetic variants in laboratory mice for targeted gene editing.
• Gene Editing in Mice: Using CRISPR technology, scientists made eight precise edits to modify seven genes in the mice, incorporating mammoth-like traits responsible for a woolly coat and cold adaptation.
• Result: The genetically modified mice were born with thicker, longer fur, confirming that the selected mammoth genes influenced hair growth and cold resistance, as predicted by computational analysis.

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Woolly Mice FAQs

Q1. What are woolly mice?

Ans. US company Colossal Biosciences has announced the creation of a “woolly mouse” — a laboratory mouse with a series of genetic modifications that lead to a woolly coat.

Q2. Which animal is woolly?

Ans. The woolly mammoth, an ancient elephant species, lived in Europe, Asia, and North America around 300,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Q3. Have scientists created a woolly mammoth?

Ans. Scientists have not created a woolly mammoth but genetically modified mice with mammoth-like traits, such as longer, wavy hair.

Source: IE