Putative determinants of the cellular response to hyperthermia

A chrysanthemum heat shock protein confers tolerance to abiotic stress

Heat shock proteins are associated with protection against various abiotic stresses. Here, the isolation of a chrysanthemum cDNA belonging to the HSP70 family is reported. The cDNA, designated CgHSP70, encodes a 647-residue polypeptide, of estimated molecular mass 70.90 kDa and pI 5.12. A sub-cellular localization assay indicated that the cDNA product is deposited in the cytoplasm and nucleus. The performance of Arabidopsis thaliana plants constitutively expressing CgHSP70 demonstrated that the gene enhances tolerance to heat, drought and salinity. When CgHSP70 was stably over-expressed in chrysanthemum, the plants showed an increased peroxidase (POD) activity, higher proline content and inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) content. After heat stress, drought or salinity the transgenic plants were better able to recover, demonstrating CgHSP70 positive effect.

The heat-induced gamma-H2AX response does not play a role in hyperthermic cell killing

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to determine whether the heat-induced formation of gamma-H2AX foci is involved in hyperthermic cell killing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The heat-induced gamma-H2AX response was determined in cells exhibiting various degrees of heat sensitivity. The panel of cells tested included cells that are transiently thermotolerant, permanently heat resistant, permanently heat sensitive, and permanently resistant to oxidative stress. Cells exposed to non-thermal environmental conditions that lead to protection from, or sensitization to, heat were also tested. The heat sensitivity of cells in which H2AX was knocked out was also ascertained.

RESULTS

The protein synthesis independent state of thermotolerance, but not the protein synthesis dependent state of thermotolerance, was found to be involved in the attenuation of the gamma-H2AX response in thermotolerant cells. The initial magnitude of the gamma-H2AX response was found to be the same in all cell lines with altered heat sensitivity. Furthermore, no differences in the resolution of gamma-H2AX foci were found among the cell lines tested. We also found that H2AX knock-out cells were not more heat sensitive.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the heat-induced gamma-H2AX response does not play a role in heat-induced cell killing, thereby adding further evidence that the heat-induced gamma-H2AX foci are not due to DNA double strand breaks.

Alterations in heat-induced radiosensitization accompanied by nuclear structure alterations in Chinese hamster cells

This paper examined heat-induced radiosensitization in two Chinese hamster heat-resistant cell lines, HR-1 and OC-14, that were isolated from the same wild-type HA-1 cell line. It found a reduction of the magnitude of heat-induced radiosensitization after exposure to 43 degrees C in both HR-1 and OC-14 cells and a similar reduction after exposure to 45 degrees C in HR-1 cells, but not in OC-14 cells. The effect of heat exposure on a class of ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage that inhibits the ability of nuclear DNA to undergo super-coiling changes was also studied using the fluorescent halo assay in these three cell lines. Wild type cells exposed to either 43 or 45 degrees C before irradiation had a DNA rewinding ability that was intermediate between control and unheated cells, a phenomenon previously described as a masking effect. This masking effect was significantly reduced in HR-1 cells exposed to either 43 or 45 degrees C or in OC-14 cells exposed to 43 degrees C under conditions that heat-induced radiosensitization was reduced. In contrast, the masking effect was not altered in OC-14 cells exposed to 45 degrees C, conditions under which heat-induced radiosensitization was similar to that observed in wild-type HA-1 cells. These results suggest that a reduction in the masking effect is associated with a reduction of the magnitude of heat-induced radiosensitization in the HR-1 and OC-14 heat-resistant cell lines. The reduction of the masking effect in the cell lines resistant to heat-induced radiosensitization was associated with neither a reduction in the magnitude of the heat-induced increase in total nuclear protein content nor major differences in the protein profiles of the nucleoids isolated from heated cells.

HSPB7 is a SC35 speckle resident small heat shock protein

BACKGROUND

The HSPB family is one of the more diverse families within the group of HSP families. Some members have chaperone-like activities and/or play a role in cytoskeletal stabilization. Some members also show a dynamic, stress-induced translocation to SC35 splicing speckles. If and how these features are interrelated and if they are shared by all members are yet unknown.

METHODS

Tissue expression data and interaction and co-regulated gene expression data of the human HSPB members was analyzed using bioinformatics. Using a gene expression library, sub-cellular distribution of the diverse members was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Chaperone activity was measured using a cellular luciferase refolding assay.

RESULTS

Online databases did not accurately predict the sub-cellular distribution of all the HSPB members. A novel and non-predicted finding was that HSPB7 constitutively localized to SC35 splicing speckles, driven by its N-terminus. Unlike HSPB1 and HSPB5, that chaperoned heat unfolded substrates and kept them folding competent, HSPB7 did not support refolding.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest a non-chaperone-like role of HSPB7 at SC35 speckles.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The functional divergence between HSPB members seems larger than previously expected and also includes non-canonical members lacking classical chaperone-like functions.

HSP70 kinetics study by continuous observation of HSP-GFP fusion protein expression on a perfusion heating stage

The direct correlation between levels of heat shock protein expression and efficiency of its tissue protection function motivates this study of how thermal doses can be used for an optimal stress protocol design. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression kinetics were visualized continuously in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) on a microscope heating stage using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter. BAECs were transfected with a DNA vector, HSP(p)-HSP70-GFP which expresses an HSP70-GFP fusion protein under control of the HSP70 promoter. Expression levels were validated by western blot analysis. Transfected cells were heated on a controlled temperature microscope stage at 42 degrees C for a defined period, then shifted to 37 degrees C for varied post-heating times. The expression of HSP70-GFP and its sub-cellular localization were visualized via fluorescence microscopy. The progressive expression kinetics were measured by quantitative analysis of serial fluorescence images captured during heating protocols from 1 to 2 h and post-heating times from 0 to 20 h. The results show two sequential peaks in HSP70 expression at approximately 3 and 12 h post-heat shock. A progressive translocation of HSP70 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was observed from 6 to 16 h. We conclude that we have successfully combined molecular cloning and optical imaging to study HSP70 expression kinetics. The kinetic profile for HSP70-GFP fusion protein is consistent with the endogenous HSP70. Furthermore, information on dynamic intracellular translocation of HSP70 was extracted from the same experimental data.

beta-Adrenergic signaling and thyroid hormones affect HSP72 expression during heat acclimation

Heat acclimation upregulates 72-kDa heat shock protein (HSP72) and predisposes to faster activation of the heat shock response (HSR). This study investigates the role played by beta-adrenergic signaling and/or plasma thyroxine level in eliciting these features by using rats undergoing 1) heat acclimation (AC; 34 degrees C, 2 and 30 days); 2) AC with beta-adrenergic blockade; 3) AC-maintained euthyroid; 4) hypothyroid; 5) hyperthyroid; and 6) controls. The hsp72 mRNA (RT-PCR) and HSP72 levels (Western blot) were measured before and after heat stress (2 h, 41 degrees C, rectal temperature monitored). beta-Adrenergic blockade during AC abolished HSP72 accumulation, without disrupting HSR. Low thyroxine blunted the HSR at posttranscriptional level, whereas thyroxine administration in hyperthyroid and AC-maintained euthyroid rats arrested heat stress-evoked hsp72 transcription. We conclude that beta-adrenergic signaling contributes to the high HSP72 level characterizing the AC state. Thyroxine has two opposing effects: 1) direct repressive on rapid hsp72 transcription after heat stress; and 2) indirect stimulatory via beta-adrenergic signaling. Low thyroxine could account for diminished HSP72 synthesis via lower heat production and thermoregulatory set point.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 UL14 gene product has heat shock protein(HSP)-like functions

The HSV-2 UL14 gene encodes a 32 kDa protein that is a minor component of the viral tegument. The protein relocates other viral proteins such as VP26 and UL33 protein into the nuclei of transiently coexpressing cells(Yamauchi et al., 2001). We found that the protein shared some characteristics of heat shock proteins(HSPs) or molecular chaperones, such as nuclear translocation upon heat shock,ATP deprivation and osmotic shock. Interestingly, a significant homology over a stretch of 15 amino acids was found between an N-terminal region of HSV UL14 protein and the substrate-binding domain of Hsp70 family proteins. Two arginine residues in this region were important for nuclear translocation of VP26. In addition, overexpression of UL14 protein increased the activity of coexpressed firefly luciferase, which suggested that the protein functioned in the folding of newly synthesized luciferase. We thus conclude that UL14 protein can act as a chaperone-like protein in a singly expressed state.

HSP25, a small heat shock protein associated with dense bodies and M-lines of body wall muscle in Caenorhabditis elegans

HSP25, a previously uncharacterized member of the alpha-crystallin family of small heat shock proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans, has been examined using biochemical and immunological techniques. HSP25 is the second largest of 16 identifiable small heat shock proteins in the nematode and is expressed at all developmental stages under normal growth conditions. Recombinant HSP25 produced in Escherichia coli exists predominantly as small oligomers (dimers to tetramers) and possesses chaperone activity against citrate synthase in vitro. In C. elegans, HSP25 is localized to dense bodies and M-lines in body wall muscle, to the lining of the pharynx, and to the junctions between cells of the spermathecal wall. Affinity chromatography of nematode extracts on a column of immobilized HSP25 resulted in specific binding of vinculin and alpha-actinin but not actin, as revealed by Western blotting. These results suggest a role for HSP25 in the organization or maintenance of the myofilament lattice and adherens junctions in C. elegans.

Localization of the heat-shock protein Hsp70 to the synapse following hyperthermic stress in the brain

Heat-shock proteins are induced in response to cellular stress. Although heat-shock proteins are known to function in repair and protective mechanisms, their relationship to critical neural processes, such as synaptic function, has received little attention. Here we investigate whether the major heat-shock protein Hsp70 localizes to the synapse following a physiologically relevant increase in temperature in the mammalian nervous system. Our results indicate that hyperthermia-induced Hsp70 is associated with pre- and postsynaptic elements, including the postsynaptic density. The positioning of Hsp70 at the synapse could facilitate the repair of stress-induced damage to synaptic proteins and also contribute to neuroprotective events at the synapse.

Intracellular distribution of hsp70 during long duration moderate hyperthermia

Hyperthermia causes cell killing and is also an effective radiosensitizer. In recent years, the protocol of long duration moderate hyperthermia (LDMH) has been used to treat cancer patients in the clinic. However, the results of many studies indicate that some tumour cells may reveal the capability to express chronic thermotolerance, a factor of potentially critical impact in the efficacy of clinical hyperthermia. Previously it has been reported that two out of five human cell lines studied were able to proliferate at 41.1 degrees C. In the present study, the intracellular distribution of hsp70 during LDMH was measured as a potential marker for chronic thermotolerance with continued cell proliferation. In all cell lines studied, hsp70 became localized in the nucleus immediately after the cells were shifted from 37 degrees C to 41.1 degrees C. However, in the two cell lines which recovered and continued to proliferate, NSY42129 and HT29, hsp70 was delocalized from the nucleus within 4 h. Conversely, in the cell lines for which 41.1 degrees C was lethal, hsp70 did not delocalize from the nucleus but rather became localized in the nucleolar regions. Neither the NSY42129 cells nor the HT29 cells showed any preferential nucleolar punctate staining. Thus, it appears that the pattern of hsp70 nuclear localization and delocalization is related to the cells' ability to survive moderate heat shocks.

alpha B-crystallin and hsp25 in neonatal cardiac cells--differences in cellular localization under stress conditions

Two members of the small heat shock protein family, alpha B-crystallin and hsp25, occur at high levels in the mammalian heart. To try and understand any differences in functioning, we compared their properties in cultured rat neonatal cardiac myocytes. Both proteins are stress-inducible, but the level of hsp25 is only slightly increased in cultured cardiac myocytes subjected to hyperthermic stress, while alpha B-crystallin levels even remain unchanged. Phosphorylation of alpha B-crystallin and to a lesser extent also of hsp25 is induced after the heat shock. Directly after heat stress, alpha B-crystallin and hsp25 are partly found in detergent-insoluble fractions, representing cytoskeletal/nuclear structures. Additionally, we show by confocal laser scanning microscopy that alpha B-crystallin and hsp25 become associated with sarcomeric structures directly after the heat shock, indicating a cytoskeletal protective function. Four to six hours after the heat shock, both proteins reoccupy their original positions in the cytoplasm again. In contrast to alpha B-crystallin, hsp25 not only translocates to the cytoskeleton but also migrates to positions inside the nucleus. Despite the fact that both proteins are normally part of the same complex, their behavior in neonatal cardiac myocytes appears to be very different. The sarcomeric association of alpha B-crystallin occurs under milder conditions and persists for a longer period of time in comparison with hsp25. Our findings suggest that alpha B-crystallin and hsp25 are both involved in protection of the cytoskeleton during stress situations in the heart, although in different manners. In addition, hsp25 also plays a role inside the nucleus.

Mammalian cells adapted to growth at pH 6.7 have elevated HSP27 levels and are resistant to cisplatin

HSP27 levels are elevated in two Chinese hamster cell lines and in a human melanoma cell line adapted to growth at pH 6.7. The level of HSP72 is elevated in the melanoma cell line but not in the hamster cell lines adapted to growth at pH 6.7. HSC73 levels are not elevated in any of the adapted cell lines. Low pH adapted cells from all cell lines are resistant to cisplatin. It is proposed that elevated HSP27 levels in low pH-adapted cells may play a role in resistance to hyperthermia and resistance to cisplatin.

Mammalian mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways are regulated through formation of specific kinase-activator complexes

Mammalian cells contain at least three signaling systems which are structurally related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Growth factors acting through Ras primarily stimulate the Raf/MEK/MAPK cascade of protein kinases. In contrast, many stress-related signals such as heat shock, inflammatory cytokines, and hyperosmolarity induce the MEKK/SEK(MKK4)/SAPK(JNK) and/or the MKK3 or MKK6/p38(hog) pathways. Physiological agonists of these pathway types are either qualitatively or quantitatively distinct, suggesting few common proximal signaling elements, although past studies performed in vitro, or in cells using transient over-expression, reveal interaction between the components of all three pathways. These studies suggest a high degree of cross-talk apparently not seen in vivo. We have examined the possible molecular basis of the differing agonist profiles of these three MAPK pathways. We report preferential association between MAP kinases and their activators in eukaryotic cells. Furthermore, using the yeast 2-hybrid system, we show that association between these components can occur independent of additional eukaryotic proteins. We show that SAPK(JNK) or p38(hog) activation is specifically impaired by co-expression of cognate dominant negative MAP kinase kinase mutants, demonstrating functional specificity at this level. Further divergence and insulation of the stress pathways occurs proximal to the MAPK kinases since activation of the MAPK kinase kinase MEKK results in SAPK(JNK) activation but does not cause p38(hog) phosphorylation. Therefore, in intact cells, the three MAPK pathways may be independently regulated and their components show specificity in their interaction with cognate cascade members. The degree of intermolecular specificity suggests that mammalian MAPK signaling pathways may remain distinct without the need for specific scaffolding proteins to sequester components of individual pathways.