The potential of climatic changes (thermal stress) in Egypt on the gene expression of Heat Shock Proteins HSP19.9 and 20.8 genes of silkworm Bombyx mori L.

Abstract Background: Mulberry silkworm is the only source of silk production, it feeds only on mulberry. Due to the climatic changes during the feeding period, thermal stress certainly affects silkworm vitality and, consequently, its production worldwide, it was important to select a strong hybrid that adapts to these changes so, the selection depended on its ability to tolerate rising temperature. Results: The results of the research showed that when B. mori larvae were subjected to the heat for five hours at 40ºC, on the 2nd day of the fourth larval instar, the expression levels of the heat shock protein genes HSP-19.9 and HSP-20.8 gene increased (by 294 and 339%, respectively). Furthermore, the HSP-20.8 gene expression levels were significantly greater than the HSP-19.9 gene expression levels. Conclusion: Recently, according to the climatic changes it was necessary to recommend silkworm strains that can change the heat shock protein genes to combat rising temperatures during the feeding period.