Molecular cloning, sequence analysis and stress-related changes of the heat shock protein 60 gene in Neobenedenia melleni

Heat shock protein 60 is an essential chaperone that can maintain the natural structure and function of mitochondrial proteins. Here, we successfully cloned the full length cDNA of HSP60 from Neobenedenia melleni, designated as NmHSP60. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the expression change of NmHSP60 under different temperature and salinity. Compared with the typical 25 ℃, expressions decreased dramatically in eggs and adults at 18 ℃. Conversely, at 32 ℃, expression increase dramatically in adults. Compared with salinity 24, expressions were significantly down-regulated in adults at salinity 18, and up-regulated in eggs at salinity 30. Experimental results suggest that NmHSP60 may play an significant role in N. melleni's adaptation to adverse environmental conditions.