Differential expression of heat shock proteins in fish hepatocytes under hypoxic condition

Abstract

Hypoxia in estuarine ecosystems is a problem of growing concern worldwide. Induction of signaling molecules (HSPs) is a crucial step in the cellular response to stress. Altered expression of such proteins in response to stress conditions is a key factor for the maintenance of cellular integrity and survival. This is the first study that attempts to confirm the role of HSPs in fish hepatocytes using in-vitro (induced) and in-vivo (natural) hypoxic conditions. The level of HNE, GRD, HIF1α, HSP70, HO-1, CYP1A2 and ASK1 were measured in the hepatocytes of Mugil cephalus inhabiting control and test sites with and without in-vitro hypoxic incubation. The oxidant-antioxidant status, heat shock proteins and its associated signaling molecules were differentially expressed in fish hepatocytes inhabiting pollutants induced hypoxic condition and in-vitro hypoxic incubation. The present in-vitro hypoxic incubation studies suggest that HSPs may play a protective role in the Mugil cephalus surviving in polluted waters.