Heat shock protein gene expression in fish across space and time

鱼类热激蛋白基因跨时空表达

• 批准号: 327026-2006
• 负责人: Lund, Susan
• 金额: $ 1.58万
• 依托单位: University of Regina
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2007
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2007-01-01 至 2008-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=364447
• 关键词: Heat; shock; protein; gene; expression

Temperature is one of the most important environmental variables affecting all organisms. Distribution patterns of species in nature, physiological systems, and biochemical reaction rates are all shaped by its pervasive effects. One of the most universal molecular-level responses to temperature change is the synthesis of a highly conserved group of proteins called heat shock proteins (Hsps). Hsps respond to stress-induced increases in damaged proteins by stabilizing partially unfolded proteins and preventing protein aggregation. Hsps also play a role during non-stress conditions as 'molecular chaperones' where they facilitate protein folding, transport and cell signaling. The prevalence of this response, and the high degree of Hsp gene sequence conservation between completely divergent organisms, highlights its importance and emphasizes the need for further understanding. Ectothermic (cold-blooded) organisms are especially vulnerable to temperature change and thus make excellent models in which to examine its environmental regulation. In this context, my research program combines field studies and laboratory experiments to quantify how thermal stress impacts the expression and regulation of Hsp genes in fish. This program will provide the first analysis of Hsp expression across a wide latitudinal distribution of a fish and will contribute valuable information about how the heat shock response participates in determining species range boundaries. It will also examine the impact of thermal history on gene expression of Hsps and growth indicators, providing insight into the physiological costs associated with temperature change. Tissue-specific and temporal changes in gene expression could suggest new mechanisms of temperature tolerance and shed light on the evolution of this adaptive response in vertebrates. Examining the role of the cell membrane in temperature sensing will enhance our knowledge about the mechanisms that control this adaptive response and contribute to its observed plasticity in nature. This program will advance our understanding of the physiological effects of thermal stress on fish and enhance our power to predict, and perhaps even mitigate, some of the biological consequences of future climate change.

温度是影响所有生物的最重要的环境变量之一。物种在自然界中的分布模式、生理系统和生化反应速率都受到其普遍影响的影响。对温度变化最普遍的分子水平反应之一是合成一组高度保守的蛋白质，称为热休克蛋白（Hsps）。热休克蛋白通过稳定部分未折叠的蛋白质和防止蛋白质聚集来应对应激诱导的受损蛋白质增加。热休克蛋白在非应激条件下也起着“分子伴侣”的作用，在那里它们促进蛋白质折叠、运输和细胞信号传导。这种反应的普遍性，以及完全不同的生物体之间的热休克蛋白基因序列的高度保守性，突出了其重要性，并强调需要进一步了解。变温（冷血）生物特别容易受到温度变化的影响，因此是研究其环境调节的绝佳模型。在这种情况下，我的研究计划结合了实地研究和实验室实验，以量化热应激如何影响鱼类热休克蛋白基因的表达和调控。该计划将提供第一次分析热休克蛋白的表达在一个广泛的纬度分布的鱼，并将有助于有价值的信息，热休克反应如何参与确定物种范围的边界。它还将研究热历史对Hsps基因表达和生长指标的影响，从而深入了解与温度变化相关的生理成本。基因表达的组织特异性和时间变化可能表明新的温度耐受机制，并揭示了脊椎动物这种适应性反应的进化。研究细胞膜在温度感知中的作用将增强我们对控制这种适应性反应的机制的了解，并有助于其在自然界中观察到的可塑性。该计划将促进我们对热应激对鱼类生理影响的理解，并增强我们预测甚至减轻未来气候变化的一些生物后果的能力。