Applications of Omics Approaches to Decipher the Impact of Contaminants in Dolphins

With the advent of omic technologies (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and lipidomic), it has been possible to identify global profiles of genes, proteins or metabolites in cells, tissues or organ systems at the same time. Key pathways can be identified associated with certain diseases, physiology processes or adverse effects in response to contaminants in marine organisms. This review focuses on underlining how the use of omics technology in dolphins has contributed to understanding its physiological responses and ambient stressors. They provide a basis for understanding dolphins’ physiology and a means for monitoring health conditions as well as furthering ecotoxicology studies.