Expression of HSP70 genes in skin of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan Fries) cattle during different seasons under tropical climatic conditions

Skin is most important environmental interface providing a protective envelope to animals. It's always under the influence of both internal and external stressors. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are highly conserved stress proteins which play crucial roles in environmental stress tolerance and thermal adaptation. Present study was planned to observe the relative mRNA expression of inducible (HSP70.1 and HSP70.2) and constitutive (HSP70.8) HSP in skin of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan Fries) cattle during different seasons. Skin biopsies were collected from rump region of each animal, aseptically during winter, spring and summer season. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the gene expression of constitutive (HSP70.8) and inducible (HSP70.1 and HSP70.2) HSP in skin of both the breeds during different seasons. Present study observed higher expression of both constitutive and inducible HSP genes in both the breeds during summer and winter than spring season, but magnitude of increase was higher during summer than winter. During summer season, expression pattern of HSPs in skin showed breed differences, where constitutive HSP expression was higher in Tharparkar than Karan Fries and that of inducible HSP was higher in Karan Fries than Tharparkar. Hence, present study suggested that HSP may be conveniently used as biomarkers for assessing protective response of skin against heat stress in zebu and crossbred cattle. Variation in expression between breeds is associated with their heat tolerance and thermal adaptability. In summary, skin of zebu cattle (Tharparkar) is more resistant to summer stress than crossbred (Karan Fries), providing greater protection against heat stress during summer season. Superior skin protective mechanism of zebu (Tharparkar) than crossbred (Karan-Fries) cattle against heat stress may contribute to superior adaptability of zebu cattle to tropical climatic conditions than crossbreed.     

Effect of thermal stress on HSP70 expression in dermal fibroblast of zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan-Fries) cattle

The present studies were conducted to investigate the difference response of dermal fibroblasts to heat stress in Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle. Skin is the most important environmental interface providing a protective envelope to animals. In skin, dermal fibroblasts are the most regular cell constituent of dermis that is crucial for temperature homeostasis. The study aimed to examine the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, cytotoxicity (%) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes expression in dermal fibroblast of Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle and to assess whether resistance of dermal fibroblast to heat stress is breed specific. Dermal fibroblasts from ear pinna of Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle were exposed at 25 °C, 37 °C, 40 °C and 44 °C for 3 h to measure the ROS, cytotoxicity (%) and HSP 70 (HSPA1A, HSPA2 and HSPA8) genes’ expression. The results showed that ROS formation at low temperature (25 °C) decreased in both breeds as compared to control (37 °C) and the differences were significant (P<0.0001). Heat stress at 40 °C did not increase ROS formation significantly in Tharparkar but increased significantly (P<0.001) in Karan-Fries cattle. The overall cytotoxicity (%) was also found to be significantly different (P<0.001) between Tharparkar and Karan-Fries cattle, and on exposure to different temperatures (P<0.001). The cytotoxicity (%) in dermal fibroblast cells of Karan-fries cows was more than Tharparkar. The expression studies indicated that all HSP70 genes (HSPA8, HSPA1A and HSPA2) were up-regulated at different temperatures in both breeds. In Tharparkar, the relative mRNA expression of HSPA8 gene was higher but HSPA1A and HSPA2 genes were low as compared to Karan-Fries cattle. At 40 and 44 °C, the relative expressions of inducible HSP 70 genes (HSPA1A and HSPA2) were higher in Karan-Fries than Tharparkar. In summary, dermal fibroblast resistance to heat shock differed between breeds. Dermal fibroblasts of Tharparkar were observed to be more heat tolerant than crossbred Karan-Fries cattle. The study concludes that zebu cattle (Tharparkar) dermal fibroblasts are more adapted to tropical climatic condition than crossbreed cattle (Karan-Fries). Differences exist in dermal fibroblasts of heat adapted and non-adapted cattle.     

Seasonal variation in expression pattern of genes under HSP70

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is one of the most abundant and best characterized heat shock protein family that consists of highly conserved stress proteins, expressed in response to stress, and plays crucial roles in environmental stress tolerance and adaptation. The present study was conducted to identify major types of genes under the HSP70 family and to quantify their expression pattern in heat- and cold-adapted Indian goats (Capra hircus) with respect to different seasons. Five HSP70 gene homologues to HSPA8, HSPA6, HSPA1A, HSPA1L, and HSPA2 were identified by gene-specific primers. The cDNA sequences showed high similarity to other mammals, and proteins have an estimated molecular weight of around 70 kDa. The expression of HSP70 genes was observed during summer and winter. During summer, the higher expression of HSPA8, HSPA6, and HSPA1A was observed, whereas the expression levels of HSPA1L and HSPA2 were found to be lower. It was also observed that the expression of HSPA1A and HSPA8 was higher during winter in both heat- and cold-adapted goats but downregulates in case of other HSPs. Therefore, both heat and cold stress induced the overexpression of HSP70 genes. An interesting finding that emerged from the study is the higher expression of HSP70 genes in cold-adapted goats during summer and in heat-adapted goats during winter. Altogether, the results indicate that the expression pattern of HSP70 genes is species- and breed-specific, most likely due to variations in thermal tolerance and adaptation to different climatic conditions.     

Ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rat astrocytes: role of HSP70

Ethanol intake is associated with increase in lipid peroxidation and formation of reactive oxygen species in different cerebral areas, in neurons as well as in astrocytes. The latter's integrity is essential for the normal growth of neurons. In previous studies we observed, in different cerebral areas of both acutely and chronically ethanol-treated rats, correlation between ethanol-induced oxidative stress and the increased expression of HSP70 (70 kDa heat shock proteins), chaperonins having a protective and stabilizing effect on stress–induced cell injury. In this study we examined, in vitro, the role of HSP70 on chronically ethanol-treated rat astrocytes by transfection with an anti-HSP70 antisense oligonucleotide. The results show that treatment with ethanol, from 50 to 100 mmol/L, induces a dose-dependent increase in the production of reactive oxygen species and of HSP70 levels, together with an impairment of the respiratory chain activity and a decrease in cell viability. In addition, our data indicate a drastic reduction of cellular metabolism in HSP70-deprived astrocytes, particularly when these cells were also ethanol-treated. In fact, transfection with HSP70 antisense induced moderate oxidative damage in control astrocytes and, consequently, a drastic decrease in the viability of ethanol-treated cells, with the mitochondrial functionality being particularly affected. Our results confirm that heat shock proteins confer a survival advantage to the astrocytes, preventing oxidative damage and nuclear DNA damage as well, and suggest the development of new drugs exerting a cytoprotective role either in physiological, or pathological conditions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Novel and known miRNAs in zebu (Tharparkar) and crossbred (Karan-Fries) cattle under heat stress

Functional & Integrative Genomics - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded non-coding RNAs that act as the master regulator of animal growth and development. RNA-RNA interaction is an...     

Diminished reproductive potential of male mice in response to selenium‐induced oxidative stress: Involvement of HSP70, HSP70‐2, and MSJ‐1

The oxidative stress imposed by nutritional variations in selenium (Se) has plausible role in reproductive toxicology and affects the reproductive potential. Also, the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) is a highly regulated event throughout the process of spermatogenesis and is modulated by stressful stimuli. This prompted us to investigate the possibility that Se‐induced oxidative stress may affect the fertility status by altering the expressions of the constitutive and inducible HSP70 proteins, having crucial role in spermatogenesis. Different Se status‐deficient, adequate, and excess, male Balb/c mice were created by feeding yeast‐based Se‐deficient diet (group I) and deficient diet supplemented with Se as sodium selenite at 0.2 and 1 ppm Se (group II and III) for a period of 8 weeks. After completion of the diet‐feeding schedule, a significant decrease in the Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) levels was observed in the Se‐deficient group (I), whereas Se‐excess group (III) demonstrated an increase. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and alterations in the redox status in both groups I and III indicated oxidative‐stressed conditions. There was an overall reduced fertility status in mice supplemented with Se‐deficient and Se‐excess diet. The mRNA and protein expression of HSP70 was found to be elevated in these two groups, whereas the expression patterns of HSP70‐2 and MSJ‐1 demonstrated a reverse trend. In vitro CDC2 kinase assay showed reduced kinase activity in group I and group III. These findings suggest that Se‐induced oxidative stress by differentially regulating various HSP70s can affect its downstream factors having crucially important role in differentiation of germ cells and completion of spermatogenesis. Therefore, it can provide an insight into the mechanism(s) by which the oxidative stress–induced reproductive toxicity can lead to increased apoptosis/growth arrest and infertility. This will thus add new dimensions to the molecular mechanism underlying the human male infertility and open new vistas in the development of various chemo‐preventive methods. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:125–136, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20276     

Bioaccumulation, oxidative stress and HSP70 expression in Cyprinus carpio L. exposed to microcystin-LR under laboratory conditions

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) produced by cyanobacteria are potent specific hepatotoxins. So far the pathogenesis of environmental MC-LR toxicity to aquatic organisms has not been fully elucidated. In the present study the accumulation of MC-LR was investigated in various organs/tissues of Cyprinus carpio L. (C. carpio) following exposure to MC-LR for 14 d at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1 to 10 μg L(-1)). Results showed that the presence of MC-LR enhanced toxin accumulation in all investigated organs and the highest accumulation was found in the liver of fish exposed to 5.0 μg L(-1) of MC-LR. An EPR analysis indicated ·OH intensity in liver was significantly induced at 0.1 μg L(-1) of MC-LR and then restored when the MC-LR concentration was greater than 0.1 μg L(-1). After 14-day exposure, MC-LR (1.0-10.0 μg L(-1) of MC-LR) caused a pronounced promotion of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and a depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) content in fish liver, which indicated that GSH was involved in detoxification of MC-LR and the conjugation reaction of MC-LR and GSH occurred. A mild oxidative damage was evidenced by the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) level at 5.0 μg L(-1) of MC-LR exposure, but which was restored when the MC-LR concentration was increased to 10.0 μg L(-1). The responses of antioxidant enzymes and the induction of HSP70 expression might contribute to MC-LR tolerance of C. carpio. However, the protein phosphatase (PP) activities were strikingly inhibited in all treated groups. Thus, the overall toxicity of environmental MC-LR on C. carpio seems to be initiated in the liver via both the ROS pathway and the PP inhibition pathway, and the latter might be more important when ambient MC-LR concentration is greater than 0.1 μg L(-1). More importantly, these results can help to support the evaluation on the potential effects of MC-LR under common environmental concentrations.     

核定位信号在热休克蛋白 70 抑制氧化应激所致 细胞核仁分离中的作用

为探讨核定位信号在热休克蛋白 70 (HSP70) 抑制 H²O² 所致核仁损伤中的作用,采用分子克隆技术分别构建了 4 个真核表达载体, pcDNA3.1(-)-HSP70^WT (HSP70 野生型), pcDNA3.1(-)-HSP70^ΔNLS (核定位信号缺失突变体 ), pEGFP-N1-HSP70^WT, pEGFP-N1- HSP70^ΔNLS. 向传代培养的 C²C¹²肌源细胞培养液中加入终浓度为 1.0 mmol/L 的 H²O² 模拟体外氧化应激 . 甲苯胺蓝染色细胞核仁发现,正常细胞仅有一个位于中央的、浓染致密的核仁颗粒 . 过氧化氢处理后 3 h ,可见明显的核仁分离 . 热休克反应处理的细胞及转 pcDNA3.1( － )-HSP70WT 细胞则能明显抑制氧化应激所致的核仁分离 . 荧光蛋白示踪及核仁蛋白质免疫印迹分析显示, H²O²处理后 1 h , HSP70WT 由正常时的细胞浆定位转为细胞核及核仁定位,而 HSP70ΔNLS 在 H²O²处理后仍定位于细胞浆,同时丧失了抑制核仁分离的作用 . 上述结果提示,野生型 HSP70 能显著抑制氧化应激所致细胞核仁分离,核定位信号通过介导 HSP70 向细胞核及核仁移位而决定 HSP70 对核仁损伤的保护作用 .     

急性冷应激对牦牛乳腺上皮细胞 HSP70 mRNA 表达的影响

本文主要研究了急性冷应激对牦牛乳腺上皮细胞热休克蛋白７０ （Heat stress protein,ＨＳＰ７０） 表达量的影响。采用实时荧光定量ＰＣＲ 技术,以急性冷刺激１０℃ 为典型研究环境,分析了ＨＳＰ７０ ｍＲＮＡ 表达的变化规律。结果显示,乳腺上皮细胞在１０℃分别冷处理２ ｈ、４ ｈ、６ ｈ 和８ ｈ,其ＨＳＰ７０ ｍＲＮＡ 的表达量变化均不显著（Ｐ ＞０. ０５）;分别在１０℃冷处理２ ｈ、４ ｈ、６ ｈ 和８ ｈ,再复温培养４ ｈ,ＨＳＰ７０ ｍＲＮＡ 的表达量均极显著增加（Ｐ ＜０. ０１）,于６ ｈ 达到峰值;在１０℃先冷处理４ ｈ,然后分别复温２ ｈ、４ ｈ、６ ｈ 和８ ｈ,ＨＳＰ７０ ｍＲＮＡ 的表达量亦均显著增加（Ｐ ＜０. ０１）,并于４ ｈ 达到峰值。结论：急性冷应激诱导牦牛乳腺上皮细胞ＨＳＰ７０ 表达量的增加不是发生在冷处理过程中,而是发生在复温过程中,并且在一定范围内随冷处理时间的增长表达量增高。     

谢氏宽漠王HSP70基因cDNA片段的克隆及热激条件下的表达

谢氏宽漠王Mantichorula semenowi Reitter是一种沙漠指示性甲虫。本研究由该种甲虫体内克隆到两种不同的HSP70基因片段,分别为MsHSP70和MsHSC70。同源性发现表明这两个基因片段与已报道的其他昆虫的热休克蛋白核苷酸序列高度同源。半定量RT-PCR分析显示：经42℃热激1 h 后立即诱导MsHSP70表达至最高峰;在恢复到室温的1～4 h 内MsHSP70表达量逐渐降低,但仍然高于未热激对照组。而MsHSC70在42℃热激1 h后表达受到抑制,但在恢复2 h和4 h时有少量的表达,分别仅为未热激对照组的0.25和0.28倍。结果提示MsHSP70和MsHSC70在保护细胞方面具有不同的作用。本实验结果为谢氏宽漠王在极端的沙漠环境胁迫下的抗逆适应性研究提供了理论基础。     

Diurnal variation and oscillatory patterns in physiological responses and HSP70 profile in heat stressed yaks at high altitude

The present study was carried out at altitude of 3000 m above sea level (asl) to evaluate the impact of heat stress on yak adaptability. Sixteen healthy yaks of different age were randomly divided into two groups, calf (GI; n = 8) and adult (GII; n = 8). Experimental yaks were exposed to heat stress in the open paddock. THI ranged between 61.60 and 64.17 which were beyond the comfortable limit for yak. Post-exposure, rectal temperature increased (p < 0.01) by 2.97 °F and 2.42 °F in calf and adult yaks as compared to pre-exposure (100.08 ± 0.04 °F, 100.06 ± 0.05 °F). Respiration rate increased (p < 0.01) by 2.96 and 2.40 fold in calf and adult yaks with increased pulse rate on post-exposure to heat stress. The oscillatory patterns of physiological responses indicated that the level of heat stress increment was higher (p < 0.05) in calves than adult yaks. Plasma HSP70 increased (p < 0.01) by 7 fold in calf and 5 fold in adult yaks in comparison to pre-exposure level of 83.67 ± 1.11pg/ml and 80.65 ± 1.35 pg/ml. Thus, the yaks were experiencing heat stress at high altitude of 3000 m asl during the warmer months of the year and calves were more prone to heat stress as compared to adults.     

HSP86 and HSP84 exhibit cellular specificity of expression and co-precipitate with an HSP70 family member in the murine testis

This study extends to the protein level our previous observations, which had established the stage and cellular specificity of expression of hsp86 and hsp84 in the murine testis in the absence of exogenous stress. Immunoblot analysis was used to demonstrate that HSP86 protein was present throughout testicular development and that its levels increased with the appearance of differentiating germ cells. HSP86 was most abundant in the germ cell population and was present at significantly lower levels in the somatic cells. By contrast, the HSP84 protein was detected in the somatic cells of the testis rather than in germ cells. The steady-state levels of HSP86 and HSP84 paralleled the pattern of the expression of their respective mRNAs, suggesting that regulation at the level of translation was not a major mechanism controlling hsp90 gene expression in testicular cells. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that a 70-kDa protein coprecipitated with the HSP86/HSP84 proteins in testicular homogenates. This protein was identified as an HSP70 family member by immunoblot analysis, suggesting that HSP70 and HSP90 family members interact in testicular cells. © 1993Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

低温应激对吉富罗非鱼血清生化指标及肝脏HSP70基因表达的影响

实验旨在探讨急性低温应激对吉富罗非鱼(GIFT,Oreochromis niloticus)血清生化、免疫指标以及肝脏HSP70 mRNA水平的影响。实验选取平均体重为(177±2.18)g左右的吉富罗非鱼作为实验对象,设定(25±1)℃对照组和低温(9±1)℃冷应激试验组,每组设定5个平行组,分别在0、2、6、12h随机采样,测定血清血糖(GLU)、胆固醇(CHOL) 、甘油三酯(TG)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、补体3 (C3)、补体4 (C4)、溶菌酶(LSZ)、皮质醇(COR)、三碘甲腺原氨酸(T3)、甲状腺素(T4)以及肝脏HSP70mRNA水平。结果表明:与对照组相比,试验组GLU水平在冷应激后6h,TG水平在冷应激后2、6h,CHOL水平在冷应激后6、12h均有显著升高(P<0.05),ALT水平在冷应激后2、12h均有显著升高(P<0.05);试验组AST、COR、T3水平在冷应激2、6、12h时出现显著升高(P<0.05),C3、C4、LSZ水平在冷应激后2、6、12h均出现显著下降(P<0.05);与对照组相比,试验组HSP70mRNA水平在冷应激后的12h出现显著升高(P<0.05)。因此,急性低温应激可以提高吉富罗非鱼肝脏应激蛋白HSP70mRNA水平,影响该鱼的非特异免疫力和相关生理指标。     

Association analysis of HSP70A1A haplotypes with heat tolerance in Chinese Holstein cattle

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding and untranslated regions of heat shock 70 kDa protein 1A (HSP70A1A), an inducible molecular chaperone that is responsible for cellular protection against heat stress, have been reported as being associated with heat tolerance. A fragment of the HSP70A1A gene was amplified in Chinese Holstein cattle and eight novel mutations were found. We performed comprehensive linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype analyses of the eight SNPs of the HSP70A1A gene and examined their involvement in heat resistance in 600 Chinese Holstein cattle. Our results revealed the presence of significant differences between individuals carrying haplotype 1 and those without haplotype 1 for most of the heat-tolerance traits. Haplotype 1 increased the risk of heat stress; however, association analysis of its combination with haplotype 2 showed the lowest rectal temperature and red blood cell K⁺ level, moderate respiratory rate, and the highest red blood cell NKA level, suggesting a heterozygote advantage in the penetration of the phenotype. Protein expression levels in white blood cells among haplotype combinations further confirmed the hypothesis that heterozygotes for haplotypes 1 and 2 are more sensitive to heat stress. We presume that these mutations may be useful in the future as molecular genetic markers to assist selection for heat tolerance in cattle.     

Comparative assessment of native,crossbred and exotic pigs during different seasons (winter,spring and summer) based on rhythmic changes in the levels of serum cortisol,lactate dehydrogenase levels and PBMC HSP70 mRNA expression pattern

The present study was conducted to ascertain the adaptive capability of pigs to different seasons based on changes in serum cortisol and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA expression. Based on average THI, the seasons were classified as winter (November–February), spring (March–June), and summer (July–October). Hormone cortisol was found to be influenced by season (p < 0.01), age (p < 0.05), and genetics of the animal (p < 0.05). However, level of LDH was not influenced by either of these factors. HSP70 mRNA expression was higher in almost all age groups in crossbred and exotic pigs during summer in comparison to other seasons. Lower HSP70 gene expression was observed in almost all age groups of native pigs in comparison to crossbred and exotic during summer. In conclusion, native pigs were acclimatized for thermal stress in comparison to crossbred and exotic breeds of pigs. Also, the expression pattern of HSP70 gene is breed-specific, most likely due to variations in thermal tolerance and adaptation to different environmental conditions. Both serum cortisol and HSP70 gene may act as reliable biological markers for assessing the adaptive capabilities of pigs to different seasons.     

Comparative analysis of differential gene expression of HSP40 and HSP70 family isoforms during heat stress and HIV-1 infection in T-cells

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a family of cellular proteins involved in a variety of biological functions including chaperone activity. HSPs are classified based on their molecular weight and each family has several isoforms in eukaryotes. HSP40 is the most diverse family acting as a co-chaperone for the highly conserved HSP70 family. Some of the isoforms are reported to be induced during heat stress. Few studies have also highlighted the diverse role of some isoforms in different stress conditions including viral infections. But till date, no study has comprehensively examined the expression profile of different HSP40 and 70 isoforms in either heat stress or HIV-1 infection, a virus that is responsible for the pandemic of AIDS. In the present study, we have compared the mRNA expression profile of HSP40 and HSP70 isoforms during heat stress and HIV-1 infection in a T-cell line and also validated the HIV-1 stress results in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In case of HSP70, we observed that three isoforms (HSPA1A, HSPA1B, and HSPA6) are highly upregulated during heat stress, but these isoforms were found to be downregulated during the peak of HIV-1 infection. While in case of HSP40, we found that only DNAJA4, DNAJB1, and DNAJB4 showed significant upregulation during heat stress, whereas in HIV-1 infection, majority of the isoforms were induced significantly. Stress-dependent differential expression observed here indicates that different HSP40 and HSP70 isoforms may have specific roles during HIV-1 infection and thus could be important for future studies.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12192-020-01185-y.     

Cloning HSP70 and HSP90 genes of kaluga (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Huso dauricus</Emphasis>) and the effects of temperature and salinity stress on their gene expression

The genes encoding HSP70 and HSP90 proteins were isolated from kaluga by homologous cloning and rapid amplification of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends (RACE). HSP70 (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"KP050541","term_id":"756558159","term_text":"KP050541"}}KP050541) and HSP90 (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"KP050542","term_id":"756558161","term_text":"KP050542"}}KP050542) cDNAs were composed of 2275 and 2718 bp and encoded polypeptides of 650 and 725 amino acids, respectively. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis showed that HSP70 and HSP90 of kaluga shared high identities with those of Acipenser ruthenus, Acipenser schrenckii, and Acipenser baerii (98–99 %). Fluorescent real-time RT-PCR under unstressed conditions revealed that HSP70 and HSP90 were expressed in 11 different tissues of kaluga. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of both HSP70 and HSP90 were highest in the intestine and lowest in the muscle. In addition, the patterns of mRNA expression of HSP70 and HSP90 were similar, although the level of expression was more in HSP90 than in HSP70 (P < 0.05).We also analyzed patterns of HSP70 and HSP90 expression in the muscle, gill, and liver of kaluga under different combinations of temperature and salinity stress, including temperatures of 4,10, 25, and 28 °C at 0 ppt salinity, and salinities of 10, 20, 30, and 40 ppt at 16 °C, where 16 °C at 0 ppt (parts per thousand) served as the control. We found that levels of mRNA expression of both HSP70 and HSP90 were highest at 4 °C in the muscle, gill, and liver and changed little with salinity stress. These results increase understanding of the mechanisms of stress response of cold freshwater fish.