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

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 mu E) and temperature (27 degrees 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 mu E) or temperature elevation (32 degrees C). These observations suggest that Hsp60 in coral exhibits oscillation that is altered by increased light and temperature elevation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.