Stress Protein and Anti-Apoptotic Protein Expression in Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Fibropapillomatosis

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a devastating pandemic characterized by benign cutaneous neoplasias that is afflicting marine turtles worldwide. This study evaluated the expression of HSP72, GRP96, and Bcl-2 in tumor and healthy biopsies. These proteins are found in high levels in some tumors and prevent apoptosis, allowing tumor cells to survive. HSP72 and GRP96 are also known to initiate an immune response and may contribute to the regression often observed in FP tumors. Results were found that showed all three protective proteins had significantly higher levels in actively growing tumor tissue compared to healthy tissue. Specifically, cauliflower-like tumors, thought to be actively growing, were found to have higher levels of HSP72 and GRP96 compared to healthy skin, whereas smooth tumors, thought to be regressing, did not. These results offer insight into the molecular mechanisms behind the development of FP tumors and open a number of avenues for future research. ; Includes bibliography. ; Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008. ; Charles E. Schmidt College of Science ; FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection