Expression of Heat Shock Proteins and Metallothionein in Mussels Exposed to Heat Stress and Metal Ion Challenge
Abstract
Induction of heat shock proteins (hsps) by heat stress has been demonstrated in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and is thought to be a universal biological response. The expression of these proteins is characteristically linked with a reduction in the synthesis of cellular proteins present in the cell prior to stress. Many stressors other than heat, for example transition metals, oxidizing agents, sulfhydryl reagents and viruses, have been shown to induce the heat shock response. In many instances hsp induction has been shown to be coincidental with the attainment of stress tolerance. Therefore, the conveyance of stress tolerance is the suspected function of these proteins. Multiple proteins are induced, but the character and number involved varies depending on the organism or stress. Because of this diversity the actual underlying mechanisms of the response are not well understood. We were interested in the potential utility of hsp induction as a general stress indicator and examined the heat shock response of mussels. In addition, it is well known that certain trace metals induce the expression of proteins other than hsps, and in particular the induction of metallothioneins. MT has been a focal point of trace metal toxicity studies, and it was therefore of interest to determine whether hsps as well as MT were induced, over a short-term exposure, by Cd and Cu. Keywords: Metallothionein(MT); Mussels; Reprints. (KT)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA208231
Entities
People
- George V. Pickwell
- Scott A. Steinert