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EXPERIMENTAL EVOLUTION OF HSP70 EXPRESSION AND THERMOTOLERANCE IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
Brian R Bettencourt1, Martin E Feder1,2, Sandro Cavicchi3
1Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, The University of Chicago, 1027 East 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60637.
Summary
Recent evolution altered heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression and heat tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster. Laboratory evolution at 28°C reduced Hsp70 levels and thermotolerance, showing temperature
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is a crucial protein involved in cellular stress response.
- Hsp70 is ancient and highly conserved across species.
- Understanding Hsp70's evolutionary plasticity is key to comprehending stress adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if recent evolutionary history influences Hsp70 expression in Drosophila melanogaster.
- To determine the impact of laboratory evolution at different temperatures on Hsp70 levels and thermotolerance.
- To explore the genetic basis of evolved changes in Hsp70 expression.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory evolution of Drosophila melanogaster populations for twenty years at 18°C, 25°C, and 28°C.
- Measurement of Hsp70 expression levels across different temperatures.
- Assessment of thermotolerance at elevated temperatures (38.5°C and 39°C).
- Verification of hsp70 gene copy number in evolved lines.
Main Results:
- Populations evolved at 28°C exhibited 30-50% lower Hsp70 expression compared to other temperature groups.
- Reduced Hsp70 expression correlated with significantly lower inducible thermotolerance in the 28°C lines.
- Hsp70 gene copy number remained constant, ruling it out as the cause of expression differences.
- Evolved changes in Hsp70 expression were refractory to acclimation.
Conclusions:
- Hsp70 levels and associated thermotolerance can be modified by recent evolutionary history in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Constant environmental temperature acts as a significant selective agent influencing Hsp70 expression.
- Microevolutionary processes can lead to adaptive changes in stress response proteins over relatively short timescales.
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