Widespread skin cancer has been identified for the first time in wild marine fish populations, new research has shown.
A collaborative study between Newcastle University, UK, and the Australian Institute of Marine Science published today in the academic journal PLoS ONE - reveals the incidence of melanoma in the coral trout, a species found on the Great Barrier Reef and directly beneath the world's largest hole in the ozone layer.
This is the first time skin cancer has been diagnosed in wild fish populations and the team, led by Newcastle University's Dr Michael Sweet, say the appearance of the melanoma is almost identical to that found in humans.
"Further work needs to be carried out to establish the exact cause of the cancer but having eliminated other likely factors such as microbial pathogens and marine pollution, UV radiation appears to be the likely cause," explains Dr Sweet.
"Studying disease in wild fish populations is very time-consuming and costly so it's hard to say how long the disease has been around. However, what we do know is that it is now widespread in the coral trout population effecting three different species of this type of fish and we would not be surprised to find it in other species as well."
The study, which involved experts from Newcastle University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University, Australia, looked at Plectropomus leopardus, otherwise known as the common coral trout.
The coral trout is an iconic and highly valued species that occurs throughout the western Pacific and in Australia supports a high-value fishery on the Great Barrier Reef.
Diseased fish were caught in two locations in the southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Heron Island and One Tree Island but its occurrence throughout the rest of its range is currently unknown. Anecdotal evidence suggests minimal occurrence in other regions of the GBR and in other coral trout species, but further research is
'/>"/>
| Contact: Louella Houldcroft louella.houldcroft@ncl.ac.uk 44-019-122-25108 Newcastle University Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Tortoise and the hare: New drug stops rushing cancer cells, slow and steady healthy cells unharmed
2. Embryonic development protein active in cancer growth
3. BRG1 mutations confer resistance to hormones in lung cancer
4. Genetic variation in East Asians found to explain resistance to cancer drugs
5. Beyond the microscope: Identifying specific cancers using molecular analysis
6. Marshall University study may lead to new treatments for prostate cancer
7. Salk scientists open new window into how cancers override cellular growth controls
8. Penn research points to new way of preserving fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment
9. Genetic abnormality offers diagnostic hope for childrens cancer
10. Protein jailbreak helps breast cancer cells live
11. Breast cancer risk gene discovery fast tracked by new technology
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |