Scientists have extracted the oldest RNA ever recovered—from a 40,000-year-old woolly mammoth nicknamed Yuka, found frozen in the Siberian permafrost. This breakthrough nearly triples the previous record, offering a rare glimpse into the molecular state of an extinct animal at the time of its death.
Unprecedented Preservation
Yuka, considered the best-preserved woolly mammoth specimen ever discovered, was found in 2010. While DNA has been successfully retrieved from older mammoth remains, RNA is far more fragile and degrades rapidly after death. The ability to recover RNA from Yuka is exceptional, given its age and the fact that the specimen briefly thawed during transport.
The Significance of RNA
RNA provides a snapshot of gene activity at the moment of death. Unlike DNA, which encodes the blueprint for life, RNA reveals which genes were switched on and functioning. In Yuka’s muscle and skin samples, researchers found gene activity related to metabolism and cellular stress, consistent with a violent death—likely from a cave lion attack.
Surprising Discovery: Yuka Was Male
The analysis also revealed a surprising detail: Yuka, previously assumed to be female, was actually a male. Despite the specimen’s remarkable preservation, sexing an individual 40,000 years old is not always straightforward.
Implications for De-Extinction and Future Research
While the recovered RNA doesn’t directly aid in de-extinction efforts (like the dire wolf project), it provides valuable insights into gene function in mammoths. By understanding which genes controlled traits like thick fur, scientists can better refine genetic engineering approaches.
The Limits of Ancient Molecular Preservation
Experts acknowledge that recovering RNA this old is an extreme feat. The conditions required—rapid freezing, long-term permafrost burial, and meticulous laboratory handling—are unlikely to be replicated in many other specimens. While older RNA may be discovered in the future, this research pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.
The recovery of RNA from Yuka is a remarkable achievement, offering a unique molecular window into the life and death of a woolly mammoth from the Pleistocene epoch. The findings demonstrate the potential for extracting functional biomolecules from ancient remains, even under challenging conditions
