Regulated expression of heat shock factor 1 isoforms with distinct leucine zipper arrays via tissue-dependent alternative splicing

Alternative splicing patterns of hnrnp genes in gill tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during salinity changes

Alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in various physiological processes in eukaryotes, such as the stress response. However, patterns of AS events remain largely unexplored during salinity acclimation in fishes. In this study, we conducted AS analysis using RNA-seq datasets to explore splicing patterns in the gill tissues of rainbow trout exposed to altered salinity environments, ranging from 0 ‰ (T0) to 30 ‰ (T30). The results revealed 1441, 351, 483, 1051 and 1049 differentially alternatively spliced (DAS) events in 5 pairwise comparisons, including T6 vs. T0, T12 vs. T0, T18 vs. T0, T24 vs. T0, and T30 vs. T0, respectively. These DAS events were derived from 1290, 328, 444, 963 and 948 genes. Enrichment analysis indicated that these DAS genes were related to RNA splicing and processing. Among these, 14 DAS genes were identified as members of the large heterogeneous nuclear RNP (hnRNP) gene family. Alternative 3' splice site (A3SS), exon skipping (SE) and intron retention (RI) events resulted in the fragmentation or even loss of the functional RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains in hnrnpa0, hnrnp1a, hnrnp1b and hnrnpc genes. The incomplete RRM domains would hinder the interactions between hnRNP genes and pre-mRNAs. It would in turn influence the splicing patterns and mRNA stability of downstream target genes in response to salinity changes. The study provides insights into salinity acclimation in gill tissues of rainbow trout and serves as a significant reference on the osmoregulation mechanisms at post-transcription regulation levels in fish.

Is there a role for HSF1 in viral infections?

Cells undergo numerous processes to adapt to new challenging conditions and stressors. Heat stress is regulated by a family of heat shock factors (HSFs) that initiate a heat shock response by upregulating the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) intended to counteract cellular damage elicited by increased environmental temperature. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is known as the master regulator of the heat shock response and upon its activation induces the transcription of genes that encode for molecular chaperones, such as HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90. Importantly, an accumulating body of studies relates HSF1 with viral infections; the induction of fever during viral infection may activate HSF1 and trigger a consequent heat shock response. Here, we review the role of HSF1 in different viral infections and its impact on the health outcome for the host. Studying the relationship between HSF1 and viruses could open new potential therapeutic strategies given the availability of drugs that regulate the activation of this transcription factor.

Heat stress induced alternative splicing in catfish as determined by transcriptome analysis

Heat tolerance is increasingly becoming an important trait for aquaculture species with a changing climate. Transcriptional studies on responses to heat stress have been conducted in catfish, one of the most important economic aquaculture species around the world. The molecular mechanisms underlying heat tolerance is still poorly understood, especially at the post-transcriptional level including regulation of alternative splicing. In this study, existing RNA-Seq datasets were utilized to characterize the change of alternative splicing in catfish following heat treatment. Heat-tolerant and -intolerant catfish were differentiated by the time to lost equilibrium after heat stress. With heat stress, alternative splicing was generally increased. In heat-intolerant fish, the thermal stress induced 29.2% increases in alternative splicing events and 25.8% increases in alternatively spliced genes. A total of 282, 189, and 44 differential alternative splicing (DAS) events were identified in control-intolerant, control-tolerant, and intolerant-tolerant comparisons, corresponding to 252, 171, and 42 genes, respectively. Gene ontology analyses showed that genes involved in the molecular function of RNA binding were significantly enriched in DAS gene sets after heat stress in both heat-intolerant and -tolerant catfish compared with the control group. Similar results were also observed in the DAS genes between heat-intolerant and -tolerant catfish, and the biological process of RNA splicing was also enriched in this comparison, indicating the involvement of RNA splicing-related genes underlying heat tolerance. This is the first comprehensive study of alternative splicing in response to heat stress in fish species, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of responses to the abiotic stress.

Splice variants and seasonal expression of buffalo HSF genes

In eukaryotes, the heat shock factors (HSFs) are recognized as the master regulator of the heat shock response. In this respect, the genes encoding the heat shock factors seem to be important for adaptation to thermal stress in organisms. Despite this, only few mammalian HSFs has been characterized. In this study, four major heat shock factor genes viz. HSF-1, 2, 4, and 5 were studied. The main objective of the present study was to characterize the cDNA encoding using conserved gene specific primers and to investigate the expression status of these buffalo HSF genes. Our RT-PCR analysis uncovered two distinct variants of buffalo HSF-1 and HSF-2 gene transcripts. In addition, we identified a variant of the HSF5 transcript in buffalo lacking a DNA-binding domain. In silico analysis of deduced amino acid sequences for buffalo HSF genes showed domain architecture similar to other mammalian species. Changes in the gene expression profile were noted by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. We detected the transcript of buffalo HSF genes in different tissues. We also evaluated the seasonal changes in the expression of HSF genes. Interestingly, the transcript level of HSF-1 gene was found upregulated in months of high and low ambient temperatures. In contrast, the expression of the HSF-4 and 5 genes was found to be downregulated in months of high ambient temperature. This suggests that the intricate balance of different HSFs is adjusted to minimize the effect of seasonal changes in environmental conditions. These findings advance our understanding of the complex, context-dependent regulation of HSF gene expression under normal and stressful conditions.

Novel isoforms of heat shock transcription factor 1, HSF1γα and HSF1γβ, regulate chaperone protein gene transcription

The heat shock response, resulting in the production of heat shock proteins or molecular chaperones, is triggered by elevated temperature and a variety of other stressors. Its master regulator is heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1). Heat shock factors generally exist in multiple isoforms. The two known isoforms of HSF1 differ in the inclusion (HSF1α) or exclusion (HSF1β) of exon 11. Although there are some data concerning the differential expression patterns and transcriptional activities of HSF2 isoforms during development, little is known about the distinct properties of the HSF1 isoforms. Here we present evidence for two novel HSF1 isoforms termed HSF1γα and HSF1γβ, and we show that the HSF1 isoform ratio differentially regulates heat shock protein gene transcription. Hsf1γ isoforms are expressed in various mouse tissues and are translated into protein. Furthermore, after heat shock, HSF1γ isoforms are exported from the nucleus more rapidly or degraded more quickly than HSF1α or HSF1β. We also show that each individual HSF1 isoform is sufficient to induce the heat shock response and that expression of combinations of HSF1 isoforms, in particular HSF1α and HSF1β, results in a synergistic enhancement of the transcriptional response. In addition, HSF1γ isoforms potentially suppress the synergistic effect of HSF1α and HSF1β co-expression. Collectively, our observations suggest that the expression of HSF1 isoforms in a specific ratio provides an additional layer in the regulation of heat shock protein gene transcription.

Unraveling complex interplay between heat shock factor 1 and 2 splicing isoforms

Chaperone synthesis in response to proteotoxic stress is dependent on a family of transcription factors named heat shock factors (HSFs). The two main factors in this family, HSF1 and HSF2, are co-expressed in numerous tissues where they can interact and form heterotrimers in response to proteasome inhibition. HSF1 and HSF2 exhibit two alternative splicing isoforms, called α and β, which contribute to additional complexity in HSF transcriptional regulation, but remain poorly examined in the literature. In this work, we studied the transcriptional activity of HSF1 and HSF2 splicing isoforms transfected into immortalized Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (iMEFs) deleted for both Hsf1 and Hsf2, under normal conditions and after proteasome inhibition. We found that HSF1α is significantly more active than the β isoform after exposure to the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Furthermore, we clearly established that, while HSF2 had no transcriptional activity by itself, short β isoform of HSF2 exerts a negative role on HSF1β-dependent transactivation. To further assess the impact of HSF2β inhibition on HSF1 activity, we developed a mathematical modelling approach which revealed that the balance between each HSF isoform in the cell regulated the strength of the transcriptional response. Moreover, we found that cellular stress such as proteasome inhibition could regulate the splicing of Hsf2 mRNA. All together, our results suggest that relative amounts of each HSF1 and HSF2 isoforms quantitatively determine the cellular level of the proteotoxic stress response.

Novel isoforms of heat shock transcription factor 1 are induced by hypoxia in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas inhabits the intertidal zone and shows tolerance to various stress conditions such as hypoxia and heat shock. However, little is known about the cellular mechanism of responses to these stresses. Heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) regulates the transcription of several genes, including heat shock proteins (HSPs). In this study, we cloned HSF1 from the oyster and investigated its response to air-exposure. The cDNA of oyster Hsf1 contains 2,931 bp, of which 1,389 bp encode a protein of 463 amino acid residues. Moreover, we found that the oyster has seven novel alternatively spliced isoforms, Hsf1b-h, consisting of insertion A with 48 bp, insertion B with 42 bp and/or insertion C with 42 bp. We determined the sequences of oyster genomic DNA containing Hsf1 insertions A, B and C. The results indicated that eight isoforms of Hsf1 are generated from a single Hsf1 gene by alternative splicing without frameshifting. Real-time PCR analysis showed that Hsf1a is expressed constitutively, and the expression of Hsf1b-h and Hsp70 mRNA is induced by air exposure and/or hypoxia. In addition, we found that 11 putative hypoxia response elements, which are hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) binding sequences, are located in the Hsf1 promoter region. These data suggest that the oyster has an HIF-HSF pathway in which HSPs are induced in an HIF-dependent manner, and that it also has a novel mechanism of alternative splicing of Hsf1 in response to hypoxia.

Regulation of the members of the mammalian heat shock factor family

Regulation of gene expression is fundamental in all living organisms and is facilitated by transcription factors, the single largest group of proteins in humans. For cell- and stimulus-specific gene regulation, strict control of the transcription factors themselves is crucial. Heat shock factors are a family of transcription factors best known as master regulators of induced gene expression during the heat shock response. This evolutionary conserved cellular stress response is characterized by massive production of heat shock proteins, which function as cytoprotective molecular chaperones against various proteotoxic stresses. In addition to promoting cell survival under stressful conditions, heat shock factors are involved in the regulation of life span and progression of cancer and they are also important for developmental processes such as gametogenesis, neurogenesis and maintenance of sensory organs. Here, we review the regulatory mechanisms steering the activities of the mammalian heat shock factors 1–4.

Characterization of alternatively spliced transcripts encoding heat shock transcription factor in cultured cells of the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae

A gene encoding heat shock transcription factor (HSF) was cloned and sequenced from cultured cells of the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae. The cDNA potentially encoded a 699-aa protein, with a calculated molecular weight of 77.8 kDa. Deduced amino acid identities to HSFs from Aedes aegypti and Drosophila melanogaster were 36 and 34%, respectively. Analysis of the genomic DNA revealed eight exons and three optional exons: a, b, and c. Exon a contained a premature in-frame stop codon that would generate a truncated protein. When the cells were exposed to high temperature or cadmium, no particular alternative transcripts showed significant up- or down-regulated expression relative to the total amount of the transcripts. These results suggest that alternative splicing may not be a principal mechanism for regulation of M. brassicae HSF gene expression in response to heat shock and cadmium.

Neurospora crassa heat shock factor 1 Is an essential gene; a second heat shock factor-like gene, hsf2, is required for asexual spore formation

Appropriate responses of organisms to heat stress are essential for their survival. In eukaryotes, adaptation to high temperatures is mediated by heat shock transcription factors (HSFs). HSFs regulate the expression of heat shock proteins, which function as molecular chaperones assisting in protein folding and stability. In many model organisms a great deal is known about the products of hsf genes. An important exception is the filamentous fungus and model eukaryote Neurospora crassa. Here we show that two Neurospora crassa genes whose protein products share similarity to known HSFs play different biological roles. We report that heat shock factor 1 (hsf1) is an essential gene and that hsf2 is required for asexual development. Conidiation may be blocked in the hsf2 knockout (hsf2(KO)) strain because HSF2 is an integral element of the conidiation pathway or because it affects the availability of protein chaperones. We report that genes expressed during conidiation, for example fluffy, conidiation-10, and repressor of conidiation-1 show wild-type levels of expression in a hsf2(KO) strain. However, consistent with the lack of macroconidium development, levels of eas are much reduced. Cultures of the hsf2(KO) strain along with two other aconidial strains, the fluffy and aconidial-2 strains, took longer than the wild type to recover from heat shock. Altered expression profiles of hsp90 and a putative hsp90-associated protein in the hsf2(KO) strain after exposure to heat shock may in part account for its reduced ability to cope with heat stress.

Maturation of the nodule-specific transcript MsHSF1c in Medicago sativa may involve interallelic trans-splicing

In nonplant species, many heat-shock transcription factors (HSFs) undergo spatiotemporal-specific alternative splicing. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal-specific splicing of HSFs in plants. Previously, we reported that the alfalfa HSF gene MsHSF1 undergoes multiple alternative splicing events in various tissues. Here, we identified another spliced transcript isoform, MsHSF1c, containing a 177-base tandem repeat, and showed that the low-abundance MsHSF1c is a nodule-specific transcript of MsHSF1. We also found that MsHSF1 presents multiple alleles with single-base variations and the expression of MsHSF1 alleles has allele-specific differences in alfalfa nodules. Because single-base variations at position 1006 change the AT of MsHSF1b to GT in MsHSF1b-3, creating a pair of donor/acceptor sites with the AG of MsHSF1b/1b-1 at position 827-828 for pre-mRNA splicing, we suggest that MsHSF1c may be generated by trans-splicing between alleles MsHSF1b-3 and MsHSF1b or MsHSF1b-1. These results provide new insight into the role of tissue-specific contribution in the transcription of plant HSF genes.

Interaction of HSF1 and HSF2 with the Hspa1b promoter in mouse epididymal spermatozoa

The Hspa1b gene is one of the first genes expressed after fertilization, with expression observed in the male pronucleus as early as the one-cell stage of embryogenesis. This expression can occur in the absence of stress and is initiated during the minor zygotic genome activation. There is a significant reduction in the number of embryos developing to the blastocyte stage when HSPA1B levels are depleted, which supports the importance of this protein for embryonic viability. However, the mechanism responsible for allowing expression of Hspa1b during the minor zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is unknown. In this report, we investigated the role of HSF1 and HSF2 in bookmarking Hspa1b during late spermatogenesis. Western blot results show that both HSF1 and HSF2 are present in epididymal spermatozoa, and immunofluorescence analysis revealed that some of the HSF1 and HSF2 proteins in these cells overlap the 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole-stained DNA region. Results from chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that HSF1, HSF2, and SP1 are bound to the Hspa1b promoter in epididymal spermatozoa. Furthermore, we observed an increase in HSF2 binding to the Hspa1b promoter in late spermatids versus early spermatids, suggesting a likely period during spermatogenesis when transcription factor binding could occur. These results support a model in which the binding of HSF1, HSF2, and SP1 to the promoter of Hspa1b would allow the rapid formation of a transcription-competent state during the minor ZGA, thereby allowing Hspa1b expression.

Structure and alternative splicing of a heat shock transcription factor gene, MsHSF1, in Medicago sativa

Plant heat shock transcription factors (HSF) are highly complex. In this study, we identified an alfalfa HSF gene MsHSF1 that is composed of four exons and three introns in the encoding region. The intron1-exon2-intron2-exon3-intron3 as an intervening sequence was inserted at the conserved position that separates the coding region for the DNA-binding domain by single intron in other known plant HSF genes. Alternative splicing of MsHSF1 has generated five transcript isoforms. Spliced transcript MsHSF1b consisted of exon1 and exon4, encodes a class A1 HSF protein that can specifically bind to the heat shock elements in vitro. Other four spliced transcripts (MsHSF1a-1 to 4) consist of exon1, part of the intervening sequence and exon4. These transcripts carry the premature termination codon and are low-abundant. Apparently these transcripts are the targets of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). These results provide new insight into roles in the expression regulation of plant HSF genes.

Alternative splicing regulates the transcriptional activity ofDrosophilaheat shock transcription factor in response to heat/cold stress

Heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) mediates the induction of heat shock proteins in response to various types of stress. Although HSF1 activity is regulated by its post-translational modifications, alterations in mRNA expression have also been suggested. We here identified three new alternatively spliced isoforms of Drosophila HSF (dHSF) mRNA, named dHSFb, dHSFc, and dHSFd. We found that the ratio of dHSFb increases upon heat exposure, while that of dHSFd increases upon cold exposure. The dHSFc and dHSFd isoforms showed greater transcriptional activity than the other isoforms. Our findings suggest that alternative splicing regulates the transcriptional activity of dHSF.

Cloning and characterization of two distinct isoforms of rainbow trout heat shock factor 1

To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the heat shock response in cold-water fish species, genes encoding heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) were cloned from RTG-2 cells of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Consequently, two distinct HSF1 genes, named HSF1a and HSF1b, were identified. The predicted amino acid sequence of HSF1a shows 86.4% identity to that of HSF1b. The two proteins contained the general structural motifs of HSF1, i.e. a DNA-binding domain, hydrophobic heptad repeats and nuclear localization signals. Southern blot analysis showed that each HSF1 is encoded by a distinct gene. The two HSF1 mRNAs were coexpressed in unstressed rainbow trout RTG-2 cells and in various tissues. In an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, each in vitro translated HSF1 bound to the heat shock element. Chemical cross-linking and immunoprecipitation analysis showed that HSF1a and HSF1b form heterotrimers as well as homotrimers. Taken together, these results demonstrate that in rainbow trout cells there are two distinct HSF1 isoforms that can form heterotrimers, suggesting that a unique molecular mechanism underlies the stress response in tetraploid and/or cold-water fish species.

Heat- and cold-inducible regulation of HSP70 expression in zebrafish ZF4 cells

Elevated temperature induces a rapid heat shock transcription factor (HSFs)-mediated expression of heat shock (hsp) genes. The effect of cold exposure on hsp gene expression has hardly been investigated, although ectothermic animals experience both cold and heat stress. We have previously shown in zebrafish that the expression of hsf1a and a unique isoform hsf1b vary in a tissue-specific manner upon heat stress. In the current study, using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryonic cell line (ZF4), we have compared the effects of heat shock (28-->37 degrees C) vs. cold shock (28-->20 degrees C) on the expression of ahsf1a, zhsf1b and hsp70. Concomitantly, the suitability of the ZF4 cells as a model system was verified. The expression pattern of HSP70 proteins following heat or cold exposure is distinct, and the total HSP70 level is upregulated or stable, respectively. Moreover, heat exposure specifically increases the ratio of zhsf1a/b expression (10-fold), whereas cold exposure decreases it to one half. These data suggest that the zhsf1a/zhsf1b ratio is regulated in a temperature-dependent manner, and the ratio may be indicative of the stressor-specific HSP70 expression. Furthermore, the response in ZF4 cells upon heat shock resembles the response observed in zebrafish liver and thus, supports the use of this cell line in stress response studies.

Expression and localization of heat shock factor (Hsf) 1 in the rodent cochlea

Activation of heat shock factors (Hsfs) is one of the potential mechanisms for regulating the transcription of the heat shock proteins (Hsps) and certain other stress-responsive genes. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and immunocytochemistry were used to examine the expression and localization of Hsf1, the stress-responsive member of the Hsf family, in the rat and mouse cochlea. Cerebellum was used as a positive control. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR of cochlear RNA revealed that Hsf1 was more highly expressed in a subfraction containing sensorineural epithelium and lateral wall than in a subfraction containing modiolus, with the alpha splice form predominant over the beta in both subfractions. Immunocytochemistry showed selective staining in the rodent cochlea. Hsf1 immunostaining was found in the nuclei of inner and outer hair cells in the organ of Corti, spiral ganglion cells in the modiolus, and cells in the marginal and intermediate layers of the stria vascularis. This is largely consistent with where Hsp70 induction is reported. Hsf1 activation following heat shock was examined by Western blot. Hyperthermia resulted in stress-induced Hsf1 hyperphosphorylation in cochlea as well as cerebellum. This hyperphosphorylation as well as the correlation of its localization with Hsp70 induction supports a role for Hsf1 in the cochlear stress response.

Genomic organization and promoter analysis of the human heat shock factor 2 gene

Heat shock factor 2 (HSF2) is a member of the heat shock transcription factor family, which appears to be activated during differentiation and development rather than on cellular stress. Here we report the isolation and characterization of the human hsf2 gene and its 5'-flanking region. The transcription unit of the human hsf2 gene consists of 13 exons dispersed over 33 kbp of genomic DNA on chromosome 6. The hsf2 mRNA is transcribed from multiple start sites, and initiation from the major site results in a transcript of 2.45 kb. A functional promoter, as determined by the ability to direct expression of a transiently transfected luciferase reporter gene, resides in a 950-bp upstream region of the human hsf2 gene. Examination of the core promoter sequence revealed a high GC content and lack of a canonical TATA box. This feature seems to be common among various species, as comparison of the hsf2 proximal promoter sequences from human, mouse, and rat showed distinct conserved regions. Moreover, the overall architecture of the human hsf2 gene is similar to its mouse counterpart. A comparison between human hsf2 gene and other hsf genes showed striking similarities in exon size. However, the exons are assembled in an hsf-specific manner.

Heat shock and oxidative stress-induced exposure of hydrophobic protein domains as common signal in the induction of hsp68

The hypothesis of a common signal for heat shock (HS) and oxidative stress (OS) was analyzed in C6 cells with regard to the induction of heat shock proteins (Hsps). The synthesis rate and level of the strictly inducible Hsp68 was significantly higher after HS (44 degrees C) compared with OS (2 mm H2O2). This difference corresponded to higher and lower activation of the heat shock factor (HSF) by HS and OS, respectively. OS, on the other hand, showed stronger cytotoxicity compared with HS as indicated by drastic lipid peroxidation and inhibition of protein synthesis as well as of mitochondrial and endocytotic activity. Lactic dehydrogenase also revealed stronger inhibition of enzyme activity by OS than by HS as shown in cells and in vitro experiments. Conformational analysis of lactic dehydrogenase by the fluorophore 1-anilinonaphtalene-8-sulfonic acid, however, showed stronger exposure of hydrophobic domains after HS than after OS which correlates positively with the Hsp68 response. Treatment of cells with deoxyspergualin, which exhibits high affinity to Hsps, the putative inhibitors of HSF, strongly increased only OS-induced hsp68 expression. In conclusion, the results suggest that exposure of hydrophobic domains of cytosolic proteins represents the common first signal in the multistep activation pathway of HSF.

Heat shock and arsenite induce expression of the nonclassical class I histocompatibility HLA-G gene in tumor cell lines

The nonclassical histocompatibility class I gene HLA-G has a tissue-restricted expression. To explore mechanisms involved in HLA-G transcriptional regulation, we have investigated the effect of stress, including heat shock and arsenite treatment, on HLA-G expression in tumor cell lines. We show that stress induces an increase of the level of the different HLA-G alternative transcripts without affecting other MHC class I HLA-A, -B, -E, and -F transcripts. A heat shock element (HSE) that binds to heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) on stress conditions was further identified within the HLA-G promoter. Considering the ability of HLA-G to modulate the function of immunocompetent cells, we hypothesize a new feature of HLA-G as a signal regulating the immune response to stress.

Heat shock transcription factors and the hsp70 induction response in brain and kidney of the hyperthermic rat during postnatal development

Heat shock transcription factor (HSF) 1 levels increase in brain regions and decline in kidney during postnatal rat development. In both neonatal and adult rats, levels of HSF1 protein in brain and kidney are proportional to the levels of HSF DNA-binding activity and the magnitude of heat shock protein hsp70 induction after thermal stress. There appears to be more HSF1 protein in adult brain than is needed for induction of hsp70 after thermal stress, suggesting that HSF1 may have other functions in addition to its role as a stress-inducible activator of heat shock genes. HSF2 protein levels decline during postnatal rat development in brain regions and kidney. Gel mobility shift analysis shows that HSF2 is not in a DNA-binding form in the neonatal brain and kidney, suggesting that HSF2 may not be involved in the constitutive expression of hsps in early postnatal development. There is no apparent relationship between levels of HSF2 protein and basal levels of hsp90, hsp70, heat shock cognate protein hsc70, and hsp60.

Heat shock and arsenite induce expression of the nonclassical class I histocompatibility HLA-G gene in tumor cell lines

The nonclassical histocompatibility class I gene HLA-G has a tissue-restricted expression. To explore mechanisms involved in HLA-G transcriptional regulation, we have investigated the effect of stress, including heat shock and arsenite treatment, on HLA-G expression in tumor cell lines. We show that stress induces an increase of the level of the different HLA-G alternative transcripts without affecting other MHC class I HLA-A, -B, -E, and -F transcripts. A heat shock element (HSE) that binds to heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) on stress conditions was further identified within the HLA-G promoter. Considering the ability of HLA-G to modulate the function of immunocompetent cells, we hypothesize a new feature of HLA-G as a signal regulating the immune response to stress.

Tissue-specific expression of zebrafish (Danio rerio) heat shock factor 1 mRNAs in response to heat stress

All organisms respond to environmental, chemical and physiological stresses by enhanced synthesis of an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins known as heat shock proteins (HSPs) or stress proteins. Certain HSPs are also expressed constitutively during cell growth and development, and they function as molecular chaperones. The transcriptional regulation of hsp genes is mediated by the heat shock transcription factor (HSF). The stress response has been studied mostly in mammalian cell lines or organisms normally maintained under constant laboratory conditions. There is much less information on the regulation of the stress response of animals, such as fish, that have to tolerate large fluctuations in environmental and internal conditions. To characterize the regulation of the heat shock response in fish, we have cloned the first heat shock transcription factor from fish, zebrafish Danio rerio. Phylogenetic analysis confirms that the isolated zebrafish HSF belongs to the HSF1 family and is therefore designated zHSF1. Analysis by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) shows the presence of two zHSF1 mRNA forms that are expressed in a tissue-specific fashion upon exposure to heat stress. Both forms are expressed in gonads under all conditions; in liver and to a lesser extent in the gills, the longer splice form of zHSF1 disappears upon heat shock. We present evidence for a unique tissue-specific regulation of HSF1 upon exposure to elevated temperature.

The mammalian HSF4 gene generates both an activator and a repressor of heat shock genes by alternative splicing

The expression of heat shock genes is controlled at the level of transcription by members of the heat shock transcription factor family in vertebrates. HSF4 is a mammalian factor characterized by its lack of a suppression domain that modulates formation of DNA-binding homotrimer. Here, we have determined the exon structure of the human HSF4 gene and identified a major new isoform, HSF4b, derived by alternative RNA splicing events, in addition to a previously reported HSF4a isoform. In mouse tissues HSF4b mRNA was more abundant than HSF4a as examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and its protein was detected in the brain and lung. Although both mouse HSF4a and HSF4b form trimers in the absence of stress, these two isoforms exhibit different transcriptional activity; HSF4a acts as an inhibitor of the constitutive expression of heat shock genes, and hHSF4b acts as a transcriptional activator. Furthermore HSF4b but not HSF4a complements the viability defect of yeast cells lacking HSF. Moreover, heat shock and other stresses stimulate transcription of target genes by HSF4b in both yeast and mammalian cells. These results suggest that differential splicing of HSF4 mRNA gives rise to both an inhibitor and activator of tissue-specific heat shock gene expression.

Cellular localization of the heat shock transcription factors HSF1 and HSF2 in the rat brain during postnatal development and following hyperthermia

The heat shock transcription factor HSF1 mediates the induction of heat shock genes in response to temperature elevation and other traumatic events. The induced hsps play roles in cellular repair and protective mechanisms. Immunocytochemistry revealed that in the unstressed rat, HSF1 was already prepositioned in the nucleus at abundant levels in both neuronal and glial cell types. Following a fever-like temperature, glial cells rapidly induced hsp70 whereas populations of large neurons did not. The lack of hsp70 induction in these neurons in vivo did not appear to be due to deficiencies in levels of nuclear HSF1. During postnatal development of the cerebellum, levels of HSF1 increased progressively from day 1 to 30. Members of the hsp gene set are also constitutively expressed in the unstressed animal and play roles as molecular chaperones. HSF2, which has been proposed as a developmental regulator of constitutive heat shock gene expression, demonstrated a developmental alteration in cellular localization, namely a nuclear distribution in neurons at postnatal day 2 and a cytoplasmic localization at day 30. During postnatal development the overall levels of neural HSF2 declined. This profile showed no obvious correlation with previously observed levels of constitutive hsp expression during postnatal neural development.

Expression levels of heat shock factors are not functionally coupled to the rate of expression of heat shock genes

The expression patterns of two mammalian heat shock factors (HSFs) were analysed in cell systems known to reflect an altered heat shock response. For being able to discriminate between the two closely related factors HSF 1 and HSF 2, specific cDNA sequences were cloned and used to generate antisense RNAs as hybridization probes. In general, in various cell lines expression of the two heat shock factors was clearly different. These expression patterns of the HSF genes were not influenced by retinoic acid-induced differentiation of human NT2 and mouse F9 teratocarcinoma cells. Generally, HSF 2 expression was extremely low, whereas the significantly higher expression of HSF 1 revealed cell specific differences. The highest expression rates of both HSFs were observed in 293 cells. To examine whether these high levels are involved in the constitutive expression of heat shock genes in these cells, we analysed the binding pattern of 293 cell proteins to the heat shock elements (HSEs). As with other cells, HSE-binding activity in 293 cells was only observed after heat shock treatment. This points to an HSE-independent way for high level expression of heat shock genes in these cells.

Heat shock genes and the heat shock response in zebrafish embryos

Heat shock genes exhibit complex patterns of spatial and temporal regulation during embryonic development in a wide range of organisms. Our laboratory has initiated an analysis of heat shock protein gene expression in the zebrafish, a model system that is now utilized extensively for the examination of early embryonic development of vertebrates. We have cloned members of the zebrafish hsp47, hsp70,\i and hsp90 gene families and shown them to be closely related to their counterparts in higher vertebrates. Whole mount in situ hybridization and Northern blot analyses have revealed that these genes are regulated in distinct spatial, temporal, and stress-specific manners. Furthermore, the tissue-specific expression patterns of the hsp47 and hsp90 alpha genes correlate closely with the expression of genes encoding known chaperone targets of Hsp47 and Hsp90 in other systems. The data raise a number of interesting questions regarding the function and regulation of these heat shock genes in zebrafish embryos during normal development and following exposure to environmental stress.

Temperature compensation of the circadian period length--a special case among general homeostatic mechanisms of gene expression?

In Neurospora crassa, as well as in other organisms, the expression of housekeeping genes is transiently suppressed after exposure to higher temperatures (30-45 degrees C); expression is then reactivated and adapts after a few-hours to values closer to the initial rates. Adaptive mechanisms apparently exist in the processes of transcription, RNA processing, and translation and render protein synthesis rates temperature compensated. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play an important role within these mechanisms ("acquired thermotolerance of protein synthesis"), but their function is as yet not exactly known. Adaptive mechanisms seem also to involve intracellular ion changes after exposure to moderate temperature elevation. The expression of heat shock genes is transiently enhanced after exposure to higher temperatures and also adapts after a few hours. The adaptation mechanism includes inactivation of the heat shock transcription factor (HSF) by means of phosphorylation changes and possibly by binding of a gene product (HSP70)-a mechanism representing a negative feedback control. These examples demonstrate the existence of general adaptive mechanisms at different levels of gene expression that may also be at work in the temperature compensation of clock gene expression. Apart from such adaptation processes, antagonistic reactions within the processes of gene expression and protein modification might be equally enhanced or suppressed by temperature changes, leaving the equilibrium unaffected or balanced (antagonistic balance, see Ruoff et al., this issue of Chronobiology International). This principle is shown to apply to the effect of temperature elevation on total protein synthesis and degradation. It may also apply to other antagonistic processes such as phosphorylation-dephosphorylation or monomer-dimer formation. The circadian clock mechanism is assumed to consist of several processes that can either adapt or produce a balance. Single amino acid changes in a clock protein are assumed to partially upset this adaptation or balance.

Xenopus heat shock factor 1 is a nuclear protein before heat stress

Stress-induced expression of the heat shock (hs) genes in eukaryotes is mediated by a transcription factor known as heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 is present in a latent, monomeric form in unstressed metazoan cells and upon exposure to heat or other forms of stress is converted to an "active" trimeric form, which binds the promoters of hs genes and induces their transcription. The conversion of HSF1 to its active form is hypothesized to be a multistep process involving (i) oligomerization of HSF1, plus (ii) additional changes in its physical conformation, (iii) changes in its phosphorylation state, and for some species (iv) translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Oligomerization of HSF appears to be essential for high affinity DNA binding, but it remains unclear whether the other steps occur in all organisms or what their mechanistic roles are. In this study we have examined if heat-induced cytoplasmic-nuclear translocation of HSF1 occurs in Xenopus oocytes. We observed that germinal vesicles (nuclei) that were physically dissected from unshocked Xenopus laevis oocytes contain no HSF1 binding activity. Interestingly, in vitro heat shock treatments of isolated nuclei from unshocked oocytes activated HSF1 binding, indicating that HSF1 must have been present in the unshocked nuclei prior to isolation. Induction of HSF1 binding was not observed in enucleated oocytes. Western blot analysis using an affinity-purified polyclonal antibody made against X. laevis HSF1 showed that HSF1 is present in equal amounts in unshocked and shocked oocytes and isolated nuclei. HSF1 was not detected in enucleated oocytes. These results clearly demonstrate that HSF1 is a nuclear protein in oocytes prior to exposure to stress. In Xenopus oocytes, therefore, HSF1 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus is not part of the multistep process of HSF1 activation. These results also imply that the signals and/or factors involved in HSF1 activation must have their effect in the nuclear compartment.

Evidence for the involvement of mouse heat shock factor 1 in the atypical expression of the HSP70.1 heat shock gene during mouse zygotic genome activation

The mouse HSP70.1 gene, which codes for a heat shock protein (hsp70), is highly transcribed at the onset of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). This expression, which occurs in the absence of stress, is then repressed. It has been claimed that this gene does not exhibit a stress response until the blastocyst stage. The promoter of HSP70.1 contains four heat shock element (HSE) boxes which are the binding sites of heat shock transcription factors (HSF). We have been studying the presence and localization of the mouse HSFs, mHSF1 and mHSF2, at different stages of embryo development. We show that mHSF1 is already present at the one-cell stage and concentrated in the nucleus. Moreover, by mutagenizing HSE sequences and performing competition experiments (in transgenic embryos with the HSP70.1 promoter inserted before a reporter gene), we show that, in contrast with previous findings, HSE boxes are involved in this spontaneous activation. Therefore, we suggest that HSF1 and HSE are important in this transient expression at the two-cell stage and that the absence of typical inducibility at this early stage of development results mainly from the high level of spontaneous transcription of this gene during the ZGA.

Characterization of hypothermia-induced cellular stress response in mouse tissues

Cells respond to adverse environmental conditions by expressing heat shock proteins, which serve to protect cells from harmful effects of the stress conditions. In this study we demonstrated that mice subjected to whole body hypothermia induced the cellular stress response, resulting in the increased expression of hsp72 mRNA in brain, heart, kidney, liver, and lung. We performed a detailed analysis of the major parameters of the stress response and found that cold induction of hsp expression is mediated by heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), which is also responsible for heat induction of the cellular stress response. However, there are differences in the mechanisms of HSF1 activation by hypothermia versus hyperthermia, as hypothermia does not cause the hyperphosphorylation of HSF1 that is characteristic of heat-activated HSF1.

Tissue-dependent expression of heat shock factor 2 isoforms with distinct transcriptional activities

Heat shock factor 2 (HSF2) functions as a transcriptional regulator of heat shock protein gene expression in mammalian cells undergoing processes of differentiation and development. Our previous studies demonstrated high regulated expression and unusual constitutive DNA-binding activity of the HSF2 protein in mouse testes, suggesting that HSF2 functions to regulate heat shock protein gene expression in spermatogenic cells. The purpose of this study was to test whether HSF2 regulation in testes is associated with alterations in the HSF2 polypeptide expressed in testes relative to other mouse tissues. Our results show that mouse cells express not one but two distinct HSF2 proteins and that the levels of these HSF2 isoforms are regulated in a tissue-dependent manner. The testes express predominantly the 71-kDa HSF2-alpha isoform, while the heart and brain express primarily the 69-kDa HSF2-beta isoform. These isoforms are generated by alternative splicing of HSF2 pre-mRNA, which results in the inclusion of an 18-amino-acid coding sequence in the HSF2-alpha mRNA that is skipped in the HSF2-beta mRNA. HSF2 alternative splicing is also developmentally regulated, as our results reveal a switch in expression from the HSF2-beta mRNA isoform to the HSF2-alpha isoform during testis postnatal developmental. Transfection analysis shows that the HSF2-alpha protein, the predominant isoform expressed in testis cells, is a more potent transcriptional activator than the HSF2-beta isoform. These results reveal a new mechanism for the control of HSF2 function in mammalian cells, in which regulated alternative splicing is used to modulate HSF2 transcriptional activity in a tissue-dependent manner.