A mammalian messenger RNA sex determination method from humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) blubber biopsies.

ABSTRACT: The large size of free-ranging mysticetes, such as humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), make capture and release health assessments unfeasible for conservation research. However, individual energetic condition or reproductive health may be assessed from the gene expression of remotely biopsied tissue. To do this, researchers must reliably extract RNA and interpret gene expression measurements within the context of an individual's sex. Here, we outline an RNA extraction protocol from blubber tissue and describe a novel mammalian RNA sex determination method. Our method consists of a duplex reverse transcription-quantitative (real-time) polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) with primer sets for a control gene (ACTB) and the X-chromosome inactivation gene (XIST). Produ

SUBMITTER: Linsky JMJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9399696 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature