Ringed seal (Pusa hispida) transcriptome. Pusa hispida hispida

The objective of the present study was to identify novel gene transcripts involved in responses to elevated PCB levels in ringed seals. The combination of a long-range persistent organic pollutant "background" and a local PCB "hotspot" on the Labrador coast provides an invaluable opportunity to identify genes which could serve as molecular biomarkers to monitor PCB associated health effects in marine mammals.