Scientists reactivate DNA from extinct tiger

DNA from an extinct animal has been re-activated in a laboratory for the first time.

Scientists took genetic material from the Tasmanian tiger —– officially declared extinct 70 years ago —– and inserted it into mouse embryos where it played a role in developing cartilage and future bone.

Dr Andrew Pask, from the University of Melbourne in Australia, who led the research, said: “As more and more species of animals become extinct, we are continuing to lose critical knowledge of gene function and their potential.”

Some scientists have suggested bringing back the Tasmanian tiger using cloning technology.

Others are sceptical, pointing out that the DNA needed is unlikely to be well enough preserved.

The new research proved that DNA from an extinct animal could be resurrected.

The five-foot-long Tasmanian tiger was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 1900s and the last captive specimen died in Tasmania’s Hobart Zoo in 1936. However, some infant specimens taken from their mothers’ pouches and adult tissues have been preserved at several museums around the world.

Dr Pask’s team took DNA from four 100-year-old specimens, three pouch young and one adult pelt, held at the Museum Victoria in Melbourne. Placed into mouse embryos, the DNA was “switched on” and assisted the development of cartilage, the first step in making bone.

The findings, published today in the journal PLoS ONE, have enormous potential for the understanding of the biology of extinct animals, say the scientists.

Co-author Professor Marilyn Renfree, from the University of Melbourne’s Department of Zoology, said: “At a time when extinction rates are increasing at an alarming rate, especially of mammals, this research discovery is critical.