Effects of heat shock on protein processing and turnover in developing Drosophila wings

Developmental defects called phenocopies can be induced by heating Drosophila melanogaster pupae at specific developmental stages. The induction of the defects is thought to be a result of interference with gene expression at some level (Petersen and Mitchell, Dev Biol 1987; 121:335-341, 1987). Here we look at protein turnover in developing 52-hour wings and at the effect of heat on the proteolytic processing of three proteins that normally turn over rapidly. The effect of the heat treatment itself on the turnover of each protein is different. However, all of the proteins appear to be stabilized at 25 degrees C during recovery from severe heat shocks.