Abstract
Devil Facial Tumour 1 (DFT1) is one of two transmissible neoplasms of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) predominantly affecting their facial regions. DFT1’s cellular origin is that of Schwann cell lineage where lesions are evident macroscopically late in the disease. Conversely, the pre-clinical timeframe from cellular transmission to appearance of DFT1 remains uncertain demonstrating the importance of an effective pre-clinical biomarker. We show that ERBB3, a marker expressed normally by the developing neural crest and Schwann cells, is immunohistohemically expressed by DFT1, therefore the potential of ERBB3 as a biomarker was explored. Under the hypothesis that serum ERBB3 levels may increase as DFT1 invades local and distant tissues our pilot study determined serum ERBB3 levels in normal Tasmanian devils and Tasmanian devils with DFT1. Compared to the baseline serum ERBB3 levels in unaffected Tasmanian devils, Tasmanian devils with DFT1 showed significant elevation of serum ERBB3 levels. Interestingly Tasmanian devils with cutaneous lymphoma (CL) also showed elevation of serum ERBB3 levels when compared to the baseline serum levels of Tasmanian devils without DFT1. Thus, elevated serum ERBB3 levels in otherwise healthy looking devils could predict possible DFT1 or CL in captive or wild devil populations and would have implications on the management, welfare and survival of Tasmanian devils. ERBB3 is also a therapeutic target and therefore the potential exists to consider modes of administration that may eradicate DFT1 from the wild.
Highlights
The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) belongs to the Dasyuridae family, it is a carnivorous marsupial that is extinct on mainland Australia and found only on the island of Tasmania
ERBB3 expression was noted in Tasmanian devil lymphoid follicle (Fig 1F) where cytoplasmic expression of ERBB3 is present in both T and B cells
Our results indicate that Tasmanian devils with Devil Facial Tumour 1 (DFT1) have elevated serum ERBB3 levels compared to clinically healthy Tasmanian devils ranging from 766–18,254 pg/ml and that the extent of DFT1 does not readily correlate directly with the serum ERBB3 levels
Summary
The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) belongs to the Dasyuridae family, it is a carnivorous marsupial that is extinct on mainland Australia and found only on the island of Tasmania. Superficial dermal cutaneous lesions of wild Tasmanian devils can be found commonly in the form of skin sores [1] and neoplasia [2].
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have