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1 October 2014 Preliminary Investigation of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for hfe Gene–related Hemochromatosis
Brianne E. Phillips, Stephanie Venn-Watson, Linda L. Archer, Hendrik H. Nollens, James F. X. Wellehan
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Abstract

Hemochromatosis (iron storage disease) has been reported in diverse mammals including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The primary cause of excessive iron storage in humans is hereditary hemochromatosis. Most human hereditary hemochromatosis cases (up to 90%) are caused by a point mutation in the hfe gene, resulting in a C282Y substitution leading to iron accumulation. To evaluate the possibility of a hereditary hemochromatosis-like genetic predisposition in dolphins, we sequenced the bottlenose dolphin hfe gene, using reverse transcriptase–PCR and hfe primers designed from the dolphin genome, from liver of affected and healthy control dolphins. Sample size included two case animals and five control animals. Although isotype diversity was evident, no coding differences were identified in the hfe gene between any of the animals examined. Because our sample size was small, we cannot exclude the possibility that hemochromatosis in dolphins is due to a coding mutation in the hfe gene. Other potential causes of hemochromatosis, including mutations in different genes, diet, primary liver disease, and insulin resistance, should be evaluated.

Wildlife Disease Association 2014
Brianne E. Phillips, Stephanie Venn-Watson, Linda L. Archer, Hendrik H. Nollens, and James F. X. Wellehan "Preliminary Investigation of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for hfe Gene–related Hemochromatosis," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 50(4), 891-895, (1 October 2014). https://doi.org/10.7589/2013-08-212
Received: 11 August 2013; Accepted: 1 March 2014; Published: 1 October 2014
KEYWORDS
Bottlenose dolphin
hemochromatosis
HFE GENE
iron storage disease
Tursiops truncatus
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