Scientists have managed to reconstruct the woolly mammoth genome in 3D. DNA, our genetic material, exists as a long ribbon that fills the space of a cell’s nucleus. Where exactly a piece of DNA is in space and what other DNA is nearby profoundly impacts gene activity, making the 3D configuration of our DNA an important part of understanding our genetics. While we have long had techniques for creating a 3D map of a genome from living cells, a group of researchers set out to see if this 3D structure was still preserved in ancient samples.

Using a woolly mammoth sample that was over 50,000 years old, researchers successfully developed a 3D DNA map, modifying existing techniques to handle the ancient sample. Using this map, they created a more complete construction of the woolly mammoth genome, identifying important evolutionary divergences between modern-day elephants and woolly mammoths. They also hypothesized that this specific sample was so well-preserved because it was dehydrated and frozen soon after the woolly mammoth died. To test this, they dehydrated cells, and after a whole year, they hit samples with a barrage of methods, either dipping in acid or running it over with a car. Afterwards, they determined that the 3D arrangement of DNA was still intact. 

These findings pave the way for a better understanding of other ancient animals, and even understanding ancient humans. Some groups of scientists believe it’s even possible to “deextinct” the woolly mammoth, and having this kind of deep understanding of the woolly mammoth’s genome will be essential to making that happen.

This study was led by: Marcela Sandoval-Velasco and Juan Antonio Rodríguez, a postdoctoral researcher and assistant professor, respectively, at the Center of Evolutionary Hologenomics at the University of Copenhagen, and Olga Dudchenko and Cynthia Pérez Estrada, an assistant professor and postdoctoral researcher, respectively at the Center for Genome Architecture at Baylor College of Medicine.

Corresponding Author: Alex Yenkin

Press Article: “A 3D reconstruction of the woolly mammoth genome might help revive the extinct species“, NPR

Original Article: “Three-dimensional genome architecture persists in a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth skin sample“, Cell

Image Credit: Thomas Quine, Flickr