Expression of heat shock genes HSP30, HSP70 and HSP90 in piracanjuba fish (Brycon orbignyanus) subjected to different temperatures

• Grant number: 24/22977-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Animal Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Karine Assis Costa
• Grantee: Maria Victória dos Reis Bernardes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Fish are ectothermic organisms, meaning their body temperature is influenced by the environment. Given the intensified climate changes in recent years, understanding how these animals react to temperature variations is crucial for the conservation of species and for more sustainable and productive aquaculture practices. Heat shock genes (HSPs) perform fundamental functions in the stress response in fish (such as protein protection, regulation of gene expression and cellular adaptation to heat stress), mainly in organs specific for excretion and osmotic control, such as the kidneys. Analysis of histological sections of the kidneys allows the observation of cellular integrity and the identification of lesions in renal tissue, which may be the result of stressors such as extreme temperatures or harmful chemical substances. Thus, the project aims to evaluate the expression of the HSP30, HSP70 and HSP90 genes in muscle tissue, in addition to performing histological analyses of the kidneys of fish of an endangered species, Brycon orbignyanus (piracanjuba), subjected to three different temperatures. The experiment was carried out in 1000-liter tanks with controlled temperatures (26°C, 30°C and 34°C) and 15 juveniles per treatment, after initial acclimatization. During 28-30 days, environmental factors such as temperature, pH and oxygenation were monitored. At the end of the experimental period, the Piracanjuba fish were euthanized and muscle samples were collected for molecular analysis and kidney samples for histological analysis. Phenotypic data collection was performed 15 days after the start of the experiment and at the end of the experiment. Therefore, the data generated will be essential for the formation of indications for aquaculture, leading to ideal thermal management practices and production sustainability in a climate change scenario. (AU)