Control and target gene selection for studies on UV-induced genotoxicity in whales.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite international success in reducing ozone-depleting emissions, ultraviolet radiation (UV) is not expected to decrease for several decades. Thus, it is pressing to implement tools that allow investigating the capacity of wildlife to respond to excessive UV, particularly species like cetaceans that lack anatomical or physiological protection. One approach is to examine epidermal expression of key genes involved in genotoxic stress response pathways. However, quantitation of mRNA transcripts requires previous standardization, with accurate selection of control and target genes. The latter is particularly important when working with environmental stressors such as UV that can activate numerous genes.

Results

Using 20 epidermal biopsies from blue, fin and sperm w

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Levasseur LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3716943 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature