A Comparative Analysis of hsp70 mRNA and HSP70 Protein Expression in Two Distant Populations of the Baikal Amphipod Eulimnogammarus verrucosus (Gerstf., 1858)

Abstract

Basal levels of hsp70 (mRNA) and HSP70 (protein) were measured in representatives from two distant populations of the amphipod Eulimnogammarus verrucosus (Gerstf.) endemic to Lake Baikal using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting upon lab acclimation. In addition, hsp70 mRNA and HSP70 protein levels in animals subjected to gradual temperature increase were measured. In contrast to hsp70 mRNA levels that were similar in both populations basal HSP70 protein levels were higher in representatives of the southern population than compared to the northern population. Changes in hsp70 mRNA levels at increased temperature tended to be more pronounced in the southern population compared to the northern one, whereas HSP70 protein changed only slightly in both populations. The data indicate differences in the phenotypic plasticity of the hsp/HSP70 stress response in different populations of this species.

Keywords

• Amphipods
• Baikal
• Eulimnogammarus verrucosus
• gene expression
• hsp70