Characterization and expression analysis of hsp70 gene from Ulva prolifera J. Agardh (Chlorophycophyta, Chlorophyceae)

In the Yellow Sea of China, large-scale green tides have broken out consecutively from 2007 to 2011. Ulva prolifera, the causative species of green tide, showed great ability to acclimate to adverse circumstance. To explore the mechanisms of rapid growth and stress resistance during the bloom, we characterized and analyzed hsp70 from U. prolifera. The results showed that hsp70 gene had 6 exons and 5 introns. The promoter-like region contained multiple cis-acting elements. The transcription of hsp70 was up-regulated by UV irradiation, heat treatment and salinities induction, but less influenced by desiccation. In vitro expression of HSP70 protein and western blot was also conducted, and the recombinant protein will be used in detecting the interaction between HSP70 and related functional proteins in the future. The study suggested that hsp70 could be used in prediction of stress tolerance in algae and monitoring environmental changes.

► We analyzed hsp70 gene of Ulva prolifera. ► Hsp70 expression was up-regulated by UV, heat shock and salinities induction. ► It was less influenced by desiccation. ► Hsp70 could be used in monitoring environmental changes.