Heat shock proteins in Aurelia (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa).

Heat shock proteins (hsp) in Aurelia identified by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE are of sizes 93,83,70,68,45, and 39 kD, the most rapidly labeled being hsp 70 in all developmental stages. Labeled hsp in the polyp are found mostly in the epidermis; gastrodermal nuclei are also labeled. The minimum temperature for induction of the proteins is about the same (27 degrees to 28 degrees C), regardless of whether polyps have been cultured at 15 degrees or 24 degrees C. Adults and planulae taken from natural water at 28 degrees C do not show accumulation of hsp 70. Induction of strobilation by raising polyps from 15 degrees to 25 degrees C is not associated with appreciable labeling of hsp. Polyps transferred to higher or lower salinity have decreased protein synthesis but do not synthesize stress proteins.