We studied various aspects of heat-shock response with special emphasis on the expression of heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70) genes at various levels in two congener species of littoral endemic amphipods (Eulimnogammarus cyaneus and E. verrucosus) from Lake Baikal which show striking differences in their vertical distribution and thermal tolerance. Although both the species studied demonstrate high constitutive levels of Hsp70, the thermotolerant E. cyaneus exhibited a 5-fold higher basal level of Hsp70 proteins under normal physiological conditions (7 °C) and significantly lower induction of Hsp70 after temperature elevation compared with the more thermosensitive E. verrucosus. We isolated the hsp70 genes from both species and analysed their sequences. Two isoforms of the cytosolic Hsp70/Hsc70 proteins were detected in both species under normal physiological conditions and encoded by two distinct hsp/hsc70 family members. While both Hsp70 isoforms were synthesized without heat shock, only one of them was induced by temperature elevation. The observed differences in the Hsp70 expression patterns, including the dynamics of Hsp70 synthesis and threshold of induction, suggest that the increased thermotolerance in E. cyaneus (compared with E. verrucosus) is associated with a complex structural and functional rearrangement of the hsp70 gene family and favoured the involvement of Hsp70 in adaptation to fluctuating thermal conditions. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the thermal adaptation of Baikal amphipods and represents the first report describing the structure and function of the hsp70 genes of endemic Baikal species dwelling in thermally contrasting habitats.

No abstract

Forty new NotI linking clones representing sequence tagged sites (STSs) were mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to different regions of human chromosome 3 (HSA3). Clone NL1-245, containing human aminoacylase 1, was localized to 3p21.2-p21.1. Our previous localization of the CLC-2 chloride channel protein gene was refined to 3q27. Clone NL2-316 most likely contains a translocon-associated protein gamma-subunit gene and was mapped to 3q23-q24. To our knowledge, this is the first time this gene has been mapped. One NotI linking clone (NL1-229) probably contains a new protein phosphatase gene. This clone was mapped to 3p25. Five NotI linking clones probably contain human expressed sequence tags (ESTs), as they possess sequences with a high level of identity (> 90%) to cDNA clones. Other clones show 56-85% homology to known mammalian and human genes with various functions, including oncogenes and tumour-suppressor genes. These clones might represent new genes.

No abstract