Ntombi’s genes hold key to revive lost rhino species
A TEAM of US researchers is hoping to use a rare black rhino in Limpopo as a pioneer for genome sequencing – and possibly to help bring an extinct black rhino subspecies back to life.
By the end of the year, researchers from Pembient, a biotech firm in San Francisco, New Harvest, a US charity working on sustainability, and the University of Washington hope to become the first to sequence the genome of the critically endangered black rhino, using Ntombi the rhino’s genetic material.
Sequencing the genome offers numerous benefits, says Matthew Markus, founder and chief executive of Pembient.
“The data held therein can aid in the care, breeding and tracking of the species. Beyond initially producing a reference genome for the black rhinoceros, we eventually hope to sequence each subspecies of black rhinoceros to understand the extent of genetic divergence within and between rhinoceros species.
“This work may help future researchers looking at ways to bring the three extinct black rhinoceros subspecies back to life.”
Markus is one of a team of US biologists who are developing bio-engineered batches of synthetic rhino horn powder they believe could help save South Africa’s rhinos from extinction.
He notes that eight rhino subspecies have been “poached to extinction” and the remaining five subspecies are critically endangered.
Only 5 055 black rhinos remain in the wild.
“Having the black rhino genome will allow conservationists to gain insight into the dynamics of this endangered species.”
Markus also notes that the Broad Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has sequenced the genome of the southern white rhinos, and that the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is about to sequence that of the almost-extinct northern white rhino.
“For some reason, the black rhinoceros has been ignored. We feel this is a huge oversight, and we would like to correct it. Ntombi is our pioneer in this effort.”
Genome sequencing is being used to combat biodiversity loss.
“Scientists have used the same gene sequencing methods for conservation efforts around the crested ibis and northern white rhino.”
The black rhinoceros has 84 chromosomes, while the white rhino has 82 chromosomes, “so it should be interesting to examine the extra chromosomes”, Markus says.
“This is an exciting time for stem cells and bioengineering,” says Dr Charles Murry, who is the principal investigator on the project and from the University of Washington’s Institute for Stem Cell and Regener- ative Medicine.
“We’re on the cusp of unlocking the secrets of the black rhinoceros and using this information to better understand and conserve this majestic species.”
The team has raised $9 000 (R109 000) – just over half of their goal of $16 500.
When this is reached, work will begin, with preserved samples of Ntombi’s blood and tissue being shipped to the university in the US.
“Then the sequencing will happen,” says Markus.
Next, Ntombi’s genome will be computationally aligned to the white rhinoceros genome.
“Finally, the entire assembly will be made publicly available through the DNAnexus’s platform,” he says.