Gene editing could be the key to saving the Tasmanian devil from a deadly facial cancer. A new research partnership between the Colossal Foundation and the University of Tasmania is taking on devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), which has devastated the species since its discovery in 1996. This contagious cancer spreads through bites during feeding and mating, leading to tumours around the mouth and face, ultimately causing starvation and death. The partnership is pursuing two innovative approaches.
First, they're developing an oral bait vaccine to train the devil's immune system to fight both DFT1 and DFT2 cancers. This vaccine could protect wild devils without the need for trapping and injection, thanks to the Colossal Foundation's investment in setting up a fat-tailed dunnart colony in Hobart. This colony will allow scientists to test the vaccine's safety before trials on devils begin.
Secondly, the partnership is focusing on a gene called LZTR1, which researchers believe plays a role in the origin of the tumours. By editing this gene, they aim to reduce the susceptibility of devils to the cancers. This dual approach is crucial given the species' apex scavenger role in Tasmania's ecosystem, with its decline allowing feral cats to spread.
The challenges of working with an endangered species and limited marsupial research tools have slowed progress. However, the partnership with the Colossal Foundation is expected to accelerate vaccine development and explore gene-editing strategies. This collaboration highlights the potential of gene editing to combat diseases in endangered species, offering a glimmer of hope for the Tasmanian devil's survival.
