The Apostichopus japonicus is an important species in some Asia countries including Korea, China and Japan. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the differential gene expression of heat shock protein90 (Hsp90) and ferritin as a biomarker for the thermal stress during water temperature rising in the sea cucumber, A. japonicus. The A. japonicus (1.4 g) was cultured in incubator of separate temperature (15°C, 20°C, 25°C and 30°C) for each 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours. The mRNA expression levels of Hsp90 and ferritin were examined using RT-PCR assay. Results showed that, the expression of Hsp90 mRNA was not significantly changed at 15°C. The expression of Hsp90 mRNA was significantly increased at high temperature such as 20°C and 25°C. Furthermore, Hsp90 mRNA was early increased at 25°C than 20°C. The ferritin mRNA was similar expression pattern with Hsp90. But, Hsp90 mRNA was more sensitive than ferritin mRNA at high thermal stress. These results indicate that Hsp90 and ferritin mRNAs were involved in the temperature changes response and may be play an important role in mediating the thermal stress in A. japonicas.

• 김철원(한국농수산대학교) | Chul Won Kim
• 진영국(국립수산과학원, 2엠에스바이오랩) | Young Guk Jin
• 김태익(국립수산과학원, 2엠에스바이오랩) | Tae Ik Kim
• 정달상(한국농수산대학교) | Dal Sang
• 강한승(엠에스바이오랩) | Han Seung Kang Corresponding author