Genome-wide identification of heat shock proteins (HSP70) in the Cuban painted snail Polymita picta: evolutionary constraints face climate change challenges

Abstract

Climate change poses a critical threat for biodiversity. Among ectothermal animals, terrestrial molluscs are considered highly vulnerable to temperature increase and drought due to their low vagility and specialized ecological requirements. In response to thermal stress, heat shock proteins (HSP70) play a crucial role in the response syndrome and phenotypic plasticity and mediate the adaptation to fluctuating environments. Here, we performed the first genome-wide identification and characterization of the HSP70 family in a Neotropical terrestrial gastropod of high conservation concern: the Cuban painted snail Polymita picta. Using comprehensive bioinformatic approaches, we identified HSP70 paralogs, analysed their structural features and assessed sequence variation, highlighting their potential relevance for thermoresistance. Our findings reveal an HSP70 repertoire of ten diversified sequences with signatures of functional specialization and possible adaptive variation linked to environmental temperature regimes. Using novel molecular resources, this pioneering analysis establishes a baseline for early warning systems, integrating stress-related biomarkers into conservation management and climate change adaptation strategies for threatened terrestrial molluscs.