Sequencing the Tasmanian Tiger: How Colossal Is Rebuilding the Thylacine Genome

In this People article, scientists at Colossal Biosciences and the University of Melbourne share a major breakthrough in the effort to bring back the Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine. Using advanced genomic techniques, the team successfully sequenced a complete high-quality genome of the species, which was declared extinct in 1936. This achievement enables researchers to begin developing the reproductive tools needed for de-extinction—such as stem cell lines and gene editing. The project is part of a broader mission to advance conservation technology and preserve biodiversity using synthetic biology. While the path to revival remains complex, the ability to digitally reconstruct the thylacine’s genome marks a milestone in Colossal’s scientific progress and reinforces how studying the extinct can fuel solutions for the endangered.

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