A breakthrough has been made as a team of scientists at the University of Melbourne have managed to extract DNA from the extinct Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), and ‘resurrect’ it in a mouse embryo. It is the first time in the world that a functional response has been brought about using DNA from an extinct species. This research has created new hope that the Tasmanian tiger may be cloned in the future.
The Tasmanian tiger is a native Australian marsupial which became extinct in 1936. Some Tasmanian tigers were preserved in alcohol, and the research team used some of these 100 year old preserved specimens from the Museum Victoria to extract DNA. Once the DNA was inserted into mouse embryos its function was examined. By using a blue staining technique, the Tasmanian tiger DNA showed a function in the developing mouse cartilage, which later forms the bone.
This ground breaking research has provided a method to examine genes of extinct species, presenting valuable insights into gene evolution. This research has huge potential in gaining a better understanding of the biology of extinct animals using their DNA. The possibility of cloning the extinct animal has been raised and it has been said to be a very significant step in that direction. However, the reality of this occurring in the near future is highly unlikely. Much further research and advances in techniques is required if cloning a Tasmanian tiger is to one day be possible.
By: Sarah Foreman 41784880
Primary Reference:
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0002240
Other References:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/20/2249778.htm
http://www.austmus.gov.au/thylacine/
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/05/20/tasmanian-tiger.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520090547.htm
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