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How could induced pluripotent stem cells be used in attempts to revive extinct species?

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Replica of a woolly mammoth with long curved tusks and shaggy fur on display in a museum exhibit, set against a dramatic painted landscape backdrop. — de-extinction The woolly mammoth (*Mammuthus primigenius*)—represented here by a replica in a Canadian museum—is an example of an extinct species that someday could be resurrected through de-extinction.

In the context of de-extinction, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) offer a potential pathway for resurrecting extinct species by reprogramming somatic cells—such as those from preserved tissue—into a primitive, pluripotent state.1

The process involves introducing specific regulatory genes into the nuclei of adult somatic cells to revert them to a stem-like state. Once reprogrammed, these iPS cells possess the capacity to differentiate into various cell types, including germ cells like sperm and eggs, which could theoretically be used to generate living organisms.231

While this technology provides a promising alternative to somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), its success is fundamentally limited by the quality of DNA available in preserved specimens. Furthermore, the application of such powerful technologies to alter natural history raises significant ethical concerns, including the potential to inadvertently condone extinction and the uncertainty regarding the health and viability of resurrected individuals. We must approach these interventions with a profound sense of responsibility, ensuring that our scientific pursuits prioritize the ethical stewardship of biodiversity over commercial or experimental interests.1