# Colossal introduces GenoMorph AI to target dodo gene-editing sites

Digest AI · Research · published 2026-10-14T21:16:15Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/colossal-introduces-genomorph-ai-to-target-dodo-gene-editing-sites

## Summary

Colossal Biosciences announced **GenoMorph**, an AI platform designed to identify gene-editing targets in species with limited genomic data. The Dallas-based company, co-founded by Ben Lamm and George Church, claims the system pinpointed **2,300 candidate regulatory DNA elements** linked to avian beak size and shape for its dodo de-extinction project. GenoMorph combines comparative genomics, developmental biology, and 3D morphology to predict regulatory DNA activity during development, using data from **70+ bird species** and **hundreds of embryonic samples** across six stages and three facial regions.

Colossal also reported progress on its dodo genome assembly, now covering **95% of bases at least five-fold**, with an average coverage of **65-fold**. The company expanded its Nicobar pigeon colony to **36 birds**, derived primordial germ cells from eggs, and hatched the first chicken embryonic-stem-cell chimeras. A lipid-nanoparticle system for embryo editing was tested in rock dove and duck embryos, with preliminary results validating **Runx2** as a craniofacial regulator. GenoMorph’s findings are being tested in Nicobar pigeons, with confirmed targets prioritized for precision genome editing.

## Key points

- GenoMorph AI identifies **2,300 regulatory DNA elements** linked to dodo beak traits using AI and 3D morphology
- Colossal’s dodo genome now has **95% base coverage at ≥5x**, up from prior gaps in assembly
- New lipid-nanoparticle system improves embryo viability for gene-editing tools in birds

## Why it matters

GenoMorph could accelerate de-extinction efforts by automating target selection for gene-editing in species with sparse genomic data, reducing reliance on trial-and-error experiments. The platform’s success with pigeons and chickens may extend to other extinct species with limited genetic records.

## Sources

1. [Colossal Unveils GenoMorph AI to Identify Dodo Gene-Editing Targets](https://unite.ai/colossal-unveils-genomorph-ai-to-identify-dodo-gene-editing-targets) (Unite.AI, 2026-10-14)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Colossal introduces GenoMorph AI to target dodo gene-editing sites", 14 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/colossal-introduces-genomorph-ai-to-target-dodo-gene-editing-sites

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