Hsp70 promoter sequences from -89bp to +89bp drive expression of amino acids 1 to 31 of Ocun\PKI. The expressed peptide acts as an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA); it is a dominant negative peptide that competes with the PKA regulatory subunit for binding at the active site of the PKA catalytic subunit.
Flies carrying Ocun\PKI1-31.RR.hs show a 44% decrease in 2 hour memory after a 1 hour heat shock compared to heat shocked wild-type flies. Heat shock induced expression of Ocun\PKI1-31.RR.hs does not reduce odour avoidance behaviour or alter reaction to electric shock.