Gene Expression, Pathology and Contaminants in Pacific Sea Otters

Gene expression technologies have the exciting potential of providing methods for monitoring long-term effects of contaminants and disease on free-ranging marine wildlife species. An added benefit is that these methods may elucidate the mechanisms by which these stressors can deleteriously affect an individual over a long period, and thereby aid in the design of therapeutic and preventative strategies to treat and protect susceptible individuals and populations at risk from oil exposure. Our presentation will assess specific quantifiable genetic markers that can signify persistent pathological and physiological injury associated primarily with chronic hydrocarbon exposure. Using empirical evidence from captive animals and recent captures, we will discuss how we are developing an understanding of gene expression as it relates to the immune system of the sea otter and other marine megafauna, and the potential effects of contaminants or disease.