Of Whales and Genes: Unraveling the Physiological Response to Stressors in Belugas ( Delphinapterus leucas ) at the Molecular Level

• Published in: Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens
• Main Authors: Ebru Unal, Tracy A. Romano
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021
• Subjects: beluga; gene expression; quantitative PCR; immune system; health; stress; Biology (General); QH301-705.5; Zoology; QL1-991; Beluga; Beluga*; Delphinapterus leucas
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg2040040; https://doaj.org/article/1bc24b6442f64c2aab978ac6069cdfde

Marine mammals, now more than ever, are exposed to environmental and anthropogenic stressors. A better understanding of stress physiology in marine mammals is warranted in order to assist in conservation efforts. This study screened gene expression profiles (cytokines, stress-response markers) in blood samples collected opportunistically under controlled conditions from aquarium belugas during transport and introduction to a novel environment (T/NEnv), participation in out-of-water examinations (OWE) and from wild belugas during live capture–release health assessments (WLCR). Quantitative-PCR was used to measure gene expression involved in physiological and immune responses at different time scales. Linear mixed models with repeated measures and pairwise comparisons were used for analysis. Overall, a generalized down-regulation of relative gene expression when compared to samples collected under behavioral control from aquarium whales or to pre-assessment samples of wild whales was observed, with genes IFNγ, IL2, TGFβ and Nr3c1 displaying the largest significant ( p < 0.05) changes. Significant ( p < 0.05) negative associations of inflammatory gene expression with norepinephrine suggest inhibitory effects of catecholamines on the inflammatory response. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the physiological response to stressors at the molecular level in belugas, and the genes suggested here can further be utilized as additional tools in beluga health assessments and monitoring.