We have isolated a Schizosaccharomyces pombe cDNA encoding a small heat-shock protein, designated Hsp9. The deduced amino acid sequence shares significant homology with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp12 gene product. Northern blot analysis identified a 600-base transcript which is expressed at a low level in S. pombe exponentially growing cells, but is strongly induced by heat-shock and upon entry into the stationary phase. An increase in the transcript level is also observed in response to glucose deprivation.