HSP70 gene expression analysis in Dunaliella salina under salt stress

Abstract

Dunaliella salina a photosynthetic halotolerant microalgal strain was isolated during a screening program from Maharlu Salt Lake, Shiraz, Iran. After molecular identification and characterization, the influences of different salinity levels (0%, 5%, 12%, 20% and 30% NaCl) and different periods of salinity exposure (0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 h) on the expression of hsp70 gene in D. salina was investigated. The highest expression levels of hsp70 was seen under 12% NaCl concentration. Besides, When D. salina was stressed by NaCl, upregulation of hsp70 specific mRNA occurred within 1 h and remained increased during a culture of up to 6 h, as compared with normal cells.