Mutations hidden by proteins

2002/05/13 Orobengoa, Olatz - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Eboluzioa
• Genetika

The protein Hsp 90 or heat-shock protein 90 is the protection of its function. It protects the other proteins in the cells from the high temperatures that the medium and dangerous chemicals can produce. In addition, it monitors that the development and growth of the organism occurs properly, resolving small mutations in other proteins.

Christine Queitsch and her team at the University of Chicago have been studying these proteins in recent times and have reached interesting conclusions according to the news published in the journal Nature. Studies have shown the development of vegetable and fruit flies in reduced amounts of Hsp 90 proteins. Apparently, without the help of the protein Hsp 90, the development of plants and fruit flies is very different and their appearance is different from those that contain it.

In addition, when the environmental conditions are very harsh, it has been proven that the concentration of this protein decreases naturally, so its function is not performed as well. The Chicago scientific team believes that decreasing the concentration of Hsp 90 in worsening conditions can cause the appearance of previously hidden mutations. These mutations can lead to new adaptations in the organism and, if beneficial, to launch the machinery of evolution.