The research outcome of a joint research team led by Professor Lee Jung-sick of CNU (Department of Aquatic Biomedicine) on the response of clam genes to zinc (Zn) toxicity has been selected as a cover paper for an international academic journal.

Professor Lee’s research team confirmed 65 HSP70 genes belonging to six lineages in clams through joint research with Professor Park Hyun of Korea University. It was revealed that when exposed to zinc, these genes are involved in protein homeostasis and inhibition of cell death.

Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the HSP70 gene lineage plays an important role in adapting to heavy metal stress in polluted environments by inducing various physiological responses to maintain homeostasis.

This research outcome was published as a cover paper for the February issue of the international academic journal Cell Stress and Chaperones (impact factor: 3.8).