Hsp60 protein pattern in coral is altered by environmental changes in light and temperature

Abstract

The heat shock protein Hsp60 exhibited marked oscillation during a 12-hour day period when the coral Turbinaria reniformis was maintained in the laboratory under constant conditions of light (200 μE) and temperature (27 °C). A biphasic pattern of Hsp60 was apparent, punctuated by a low protein level at the midpoint of the 12-hour day period. Oscillation of Hsp60 was also apparent when coral was kept in darkness in lieu of a scheduled light period. The pattern of Hsp60 was altered when coral was exposed to increased light intensity (400 μE) or temperature elevation (32 °C). These observations suggest that Hsp60 in coral exhibits oscillation that is altered by increased light and temperature elevation.