Protein synthesis and protein phosphorylation during heat stress, recovery, and adaptation

Defective translation initiation causes vanishing of cerebral white matter

Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM) is one of the most prevalent inherited white-matter disorders, especially in Caucasian populations. VWM is unusual because of its sensitivity to febrile infections and minor head trauma. The basic defect of this enigmatic brain disease resides in the regulation of initiation of protein synthesis. Recently, undue activation of the unfolded-protein response has emerged as an important factor in the pathophysiology of VWM. Here, we discuss the mechanisms that might be responsible for the selective involvement of the brain white matter in VWM. At present, VWM research is in need of an animal model to study disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.

Analysis on heat stress-induced hyperphosphorylation of stathmin at serine 37 in Jurkat cells by means of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and tandem mass spectrometry were successfully used for determination of a phosphorylation site of stathmin induced by heat stress to Jurkat cells of a human T lymphoblastic cell line. The cells were incubated for 30 min at 41 degrees C up to 45 degrees C in a serum free 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffered culture medium. The intracellular soluble proteins were separated by 2-DE, and some of the proteins increased their abundance by heat stress. Those proteins were identified to be calmodulin, protein kinase C substrate, thymosin beta-4 and F-actin capping protein beta-subunit by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). On the contrary, protein phosphatase 2C gamma-isoform, nucleophosmin, translationally controlled tumor protein, Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor-1, eukaryotic translation initiation factors 5A and 3A subunit 2, ubiquitin-like protein SMT 3B and chloride intracellular channel protein-1 were decreased their abundance. A protein spot of M(r) 18,000 and pI 5.9 was markedly increased at temperatures higher than 43 degrees C at which the cells were led to apoptosis. The spot was identified to be stathmin of a signal relay protein which has a function of sequestering microtubule. MALDI-quadrupole ion trap (QIT)-TOF-MS/MS and immunoblotting with a monoclonal antibody specific for a phosphorylation site of stathmin showed that the spot was a phosphorylated stathmin at serine 37 (Ser 37). The phosphorylation was suppressed by treatment of cells with olomoucine of an inhibitor specific for cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk-1). These results strongly suggest that heat stress activates Cdk-1 which phosphorylates Ser 37 on the stathmin molecule. The phosphorylation may cause the functional loss of stathmin for dynamic microtubule assembly and leads Jurkat cells to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

High hydrostatic pressure inhibits the biosynthesis of eukaryotic elongation factor-2

High continuous hydrostatic pressure is known to inhibit the total cellular protein synthesis. In this study, our goal was to identify pressure-regulated proteins by using two dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. This analysis showed that under 30 MPa continuous hydrostatic pressure the biosynthesis of eukaryotic elongation factor-2 (eEF-2) was inhibited both in HeLa carcinoma and T/C28a4 chondrocytic cell lines. Western blot analysis of HeLa cells revealed that the cellular protein level of eEF-2 decreased by 40%-50% within 12 h of the pressure treatment. However, the steady-state mRNA level of eEF-2 was not affected by the pressure. Cycloheximide addition after 4 h-pressure treatment suggested that the half-life of eEF-2 protein was shorter in pressurized cells. eEF-2 is responsible for the translocation of ribosome along the specific mRNA during translation, and its phosphorylation prevents the ribosomal translocation. Therefore, increased phosphorylation of eEF-2 was considered as one mechanism that could explain the reduced level of protein synthesis in pressurized HeLa cell cultures. However, Western blot analysis with an antibody recognizing the Thr56-phosphorylated form of eEF-2 showed that phosphorylation of eEF-2 was not elevated in pressurized samples. In conclusion, the inhibition of protein synthesis under high pressure occurs independent of the phosphorylation of eEF-2. However, this inhibition may result from the decrease of cellular eEF-2 protein.

Strain-induced vascular endothelial cell proliferation requires PI3K-dependent mTOR-4E-BP1 signal pathway

The aim of this study was to determine whether the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) signal pathway and S6 kinase (S6K), the major element of the mTOR pathway, play a role in the enhanced vascular endothelial cell (EC) proliferation induced by cyclic strain. Bovine aortic ECs were subjected to an average of 10% strain at a rate of 60 cycles/min for ≤24 h. Cyclic strain-induced EC proliferation was reduced by pretreatment with rapamycin but not the MEK1 inhibitor PD-98059. The PI3K inhibitors wortmannin and LY-294002 also attenuated strain-induced EC proliferation and strain-induced activation of S6K. Rapamycin but not PD-98059 prevented strain-induced S6K activation, and PD-98059 but not rapamycin prevented strain-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2. Cyclic strain also activated 4E-BP1, which could be inhibited by PI3K inhibitors. These data suggest that the PI3K-dependent S6K-mTOR-4E-BP1 signal pathway may be critically involved in strain-induced bovine aortic EC proliferation.

Sequestration of TRAF2 into stress granules interrupts tumor necrosis factor signaling under stress conditions

The cellular stress response (SR) is a phylogenetically conserved protection mechanism that involves inhibition of protein synthesis through recruitment of translation factors such as eIF4G into insoluble stress granules (SGs) and blockade of proinflammatory responses by interruption of the signaling pathway from tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) to nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. However, the link between these two physiological phenomena has not been clearly elucidated. Here we report that eIF4GI, which is a scaffold protein interacting with many translation factors, interacts with TRAF2, a signaling molecule that plays a key role in activation of NF-kappaB through TNF-alpha. These two proteins colocalize in SGs during cellular exposure to stress conditions. Moreover, TRAF2 is absent from TNFR1 complexes under stress conditions even after TNF-alpha treatment. This suggests that stressed cells lower their biological activities by sequestration of translation factors and TRAF2 into SGs through a protein-protein interaction.

Prolonged translation arrest in reperfused hippocampal cornu Ammonis 1 is mediated by stress granules

Global brain ischemia and reperfusion cause phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha, a reversible event associated with neuronal translation inhibition. However, the selective vulnerability of cornu Ammonis (CA) 1 pyramidal neurons correlates with irreversible translation inhibition. Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha also leads to the formation of stress granules, cytoplasmic foci containing, in part, components of the 48S pre-initiation complex and the RNA binding protein T cell internal antigen-1 (TIA-1). Stress granules are sites of translationally inactive protein synthesis machinery. Here we evaluated stress granules in rat hippocampal formation neurons after 10 min global brain ischemia and 10 min, 90 min or 4 h of reperfusion by double-labeling immunofluorescence for two stress granule components: small ribosomal subunit protein 6 and TIA-1. Stress granules in CA3, hilus and dentate gyrus, but not CA1, increased at 10 min reperfusion and returned to control levels by 90 min reperfusion. Dynamic changes in the nuclear distribution of TIA-1 occurred in resistant neurons. At 4 h reperfusion, small ribosomal subunit protein 6 was solely localized within stress granules only in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Both TIA-1 and small ribosomal subunit protein 6 levels decreased approximately 50% in hippocampus homogenates. Electron microscopy showed stress granules to be composed of electron dense bodies 100-200 nm in diameter, that were not membrane bound, but were associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Alterations in stress granule behavior in CA1 pyramidal neurons provide a definitive mechanism for the continued inhibition of protein synthesis in reperfused CA1 pyramidal neurons following dephosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha.

Phosphorylation of Mnk1 by caspase-activated Pak2/gamma-PAK inhibits phosphorylation and interaction of eIF4G with Mnk

The mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinase 1 (Mnk1) is phosphorylated by caspase-cleaved protein kinase Pak2/gamma-PAK but not by Cdc42-activated Pak2. Phosphorylation of Mnk1 is rapid, reaching 1 mol/mol within 15 min of incubation with Pak2. A kinetic analysis of the phosphorylation of Mnk1 by Pak2 yields a K(m) of 0.6 microm and a V(max) of 14.9 pmol of (32)P/min/microg of Pak2. Two-dimensional tryptic phosphopeptide mapping of Mnk1 phosphorylated by Pak2 yields two distinct phosphopeptides. Analysis of the phosphopeptides by automated microsequencing and manual Edman degradation identified the sites in Mnk1 as Thr(22) and Ser(27). Mnk1, activated by phosphorylation with Erk2, phosphorylates the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E and the eIF4G components of eIF4F. Phosphorylation of Mnk1 by Pak2 does not activate Mnk1, as measured with either eIF4E or eIF4F as substrate. Phosphorylation of Erk2-activated Mnk1 by Pak2 has no effect on phosphorylation of eIF4E but reduces phosphorylation of eIF4G by Mnk1 by up to 50%. Phosphorylation of Mnk1 by Pak2 inhibits binding of eIF4G peptides containing the Mnk1 binding site by up to 80%. When 293T cells are subjected to apoptotic induction by hydrogen peroxide, Mnk1 is phosphorylated at both Thr(22) and Ser(27). These results indicate a role for Pak2 in the down-regulation of translation initiation in apoptosis by phosphorylation of Mnk1.

eIF2B-related disorders: antenatal onset and involvement of multiple organs

Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter, also called "childhood ataxia with central nervous system hypomyelination," is the first human disease related to mutations in any of the five genes encoding subunits of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF2B or any translation factor at all. eIF2B is essential in all cells of the body for protein synthesis and the regulation of this protein synthesis under different stress conditions. It is surprising that mutations in the eIF2B genes have been reported to lead to abnormalities of the white matter of the brain only, although it has been shown recently that ovarian failure may accompany the leukoencephalopathy. Another surprising observation is that the onset of the disease varies from early childhood to adulthood, with the exception of Cree leukoencephalopathy, a disease related to a particular mutation in one of the eIF2B genes, which invariably has its onset within the first year of life. We analyzed the eIF2B genes of nine patients with an antenatal- or early-infantile-onset encephalopathy and an early demise and found mutations in eight of the patients. In addition to signs of a serious encephalopathy, we found oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth retardation, cataracts, pancreatitis, hepatosplenomegaly, hypoplasia of the kidneys, and ovarian dysgenesis. Until now, no evidence had been found for a genotype-phenotype correlation, but the consistently severe phenotype in affected siblings among our patients and in Cree encephalopathy patients suggests an influence of the genotype on the phenotype.

Distinctive properties of the 5'-untranslated region of human hsp70 mRNA

A relaxed cap-dependence of translation of the mRNA-encoding mammalian heat shock protein Hsp70 may suggest that its 5'-untranslated region (UTR) possesses an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). In this study, this possibility has been tested in transfected cells using plasmids that express dicistronic mRNAs. Using a reporter gene construct, Renilla luciferase/Photinus pyralis luciferase, we show that the 216-nt long 5'-UTR of Hsp70 mRNA acts as an IRES that directs ribosomes to the downstream start codon by a cap-independent mechanism. The relative activity of this IRES (100-fold over the empty vector) is similar to that of the classical picornaviral IRESs. Additional controls indicate that this high expression of the downstream reporter is not due to readthrough from the upstream cistron, nor is it due to translation of cryptic monocistronic transcripts. The effect of small deletions within the 5'-UTR of Hsp70 mRNA on the IRES activity varies in dependence on their position within the 5'-UTR sequence. With the exception of deletion of nt 33-50, it is small for the 5'-terminal half of the 5'-UTR and rather strong for the 3'-terminal section. However, neither of these small deletions abolishes the IRES activity completely. Excision of larger sections (>50 nt) by truncation of the 5'-UTR from the 5'-end or by internal deleting results in a dramatic impairment of the IRES function. Taken together, these data suggest that the IRES activity of the 5'-UTR of Hsp70 mRNA requires integrity of almost the entire sequence of the 5'-UTR. The data are discussed in terms of a model that allows a three-dimensional rather than linear mode of selection of the initiation region surrounding the start codon of Hsp70 mRNA.

Heat shock treatment decreases E2F1-DNA binding and E2F1 levels in human A549 cells

The transcription factor E2F1 plays a decisive role in the G1/S and G2/M checkpoint transitions of proliferating cells. Because cells are arrested at these checkpoints after heat shock it was of interest to test heat shock effects on E2F1 activity. In human A549 cells, heat shock (44 degrees C, 30 min) caused an immediate reduction of E2F1-DNA binding as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The complex of E2F1-DNA with the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) was also reduced after heat shock. This indicates that the former effect is not caused by a lower phosphorylation and therefore a higher binding capacity of pRB. Western blot analyses showed that the lower E2F1-DNA binding is probably due to a decrease of the E2F1 level (40% of the controls) induced by heat shock. This result was confirmed by an experiment with HeLa cells in which heat shock decreased the level to 60% of the controls. In order to test whether this decrease resulted from inhibition of transcription, RT-PCR measurements were conducted and showed only a slight reduction of the E2F1 mRNA (89% of controls). This indicates that the heat shock effect is not predominantly caused by transcriptional inhibition. Six hours after heat shock the E2F1-DNA binding capacity recovered to control levels. These results provide evidence for E2F1 involvement in heat shock-induced cell cycle arrests at the G1/S and G2/M checkpoints, which also may be relevant for hyperthermic cancer therapy.

Protein-protein interactions required during translation

Protein synthesis requires the involvement of numerous accessory factors that assist the ribosome in translation initiation, elongation, and termination. Extensive protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions are required to bring together the accessory factors, tRNAs, ribosomes, and mRNA into a productive complex and these interactions undergo dynamic alterations during each step of the translation initiation process. Initiation represents the most complex aspect of translation, requiring more accessory proteins, called initiation factors, than either elongation or termination. Not surprisingly, initiation is most often the rate-limiting step of translation and, as such, most (but not all) examples of translational regulation involve the regulation of protein-protein or protein-RNA interactions of the initiation complex. In this review, we focus on those interactions required for efficient translation initiation and how such interactions are regulated by developmental or environmental signals.

Continuous heat shock enhances translational initiation directed by internal ribosomal entry site

Many cellular mRNAs contain internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES) that become functional under conditions of cellular stress, when the rate of protein synthesis for most cellular mRNA is reduced. Internal ribosomal entry increases in response to hypoxia, cell differentiation, apoptosis, gamma irradiation, and heat shock. Heat shock is the principal cellular stress in which general cap-dependent translation is inhibited. On the other hand, heat shock induces the preferential translation of a small class of mRNA, called heat shock protein (HSP) mRNAs, which probably occurs because little or no eIF4F activity is required for their translation. In this study, we found that continuous heat stress enhances expression of the heat shock protein BiP at the level of translation. Interestingly, heat stress also enhanced the viral IRES-dependent translation of encephalomyocarditis virus and hepatitis C virus but not poliovirus. Although several BiP inducers increased BiP protein expression, BiP IRES-dependent translation was enhanced only during heat shock, suggesting that heat shock is a specific inducer for BiP IRES-dependent translation. Taken together, these results indicate that the mechanism of IRES-dependent translation can be used during heat shock and suggest that this translational mechanism may be critical to the survival and proliferation of cells under stress.

Proteomic analysis of protein phosphorylations in heat shock response and thermotolerance

Heat shock (HS) induces a wide variety of biological processes, including inhibition of protein synthesis, elevated expression of heat shock proteins, induction of thermotolerance, and apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner. We compared phosphorylated proteins in heat-shocked and thermotolerant cells using proteome analysis. After HS treatment of control RIF-1 and their thermotolerant derivatives, TR-RIF-1 cells, cellular proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the phosphorylated proteins were detected with the anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. We found that 93 proteins showed significant changes in phosphorylation between control and thermotolerant cells as a function of recovery time after HS; we identified 81 of these proteins with peptide mass fingerprinting using MALDI-TOF MS after in-gel trypsin digestion. These phosphorylated proteins exhibit various cellular functions, including chaperones, ion channels, signaling molecules, in transcription and translation processes, in amino acid biosynthesis, oxidoreduction, energy metabolism, and cell motility or structure, suggesting that HS turns on the various signaling pathways by activating protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs). Of these, 20 proteins were previously identified phosphorylated proteins and 64 were newly identified. These proteins can be grouped into three families: 1) proteins highly phosphorylated in TR-RIF-1 cells at basal level and phosphorylated more significantly by HS in RIF-1 than TR-RIF-1; 2) proteins highly phosphorylated in control RIF-1 cells at basal level and phosphorylated more easily by HS in TR-RIF-1 than in RIF-1 cells; and 3) proteins with a similar basal phosphorylation level in both RIF-1 and TR-RIF-1 cells and responding to HS similarly in both cells. Most of the phosphorylated proteins are presumably involved in HS signaling in different ways, with the first and second families of proteins influencing thermotolerance. The possible tyrosine phosphorylation sites, the possible PTKs phosphorylating these proteins, and the proteins binding to these phosphorylated sites were predicted by the Netphos, ScanProsite, and Scansite programs. These results suggest that HS can activate various PTKs and HS responses can be regulated by phosphorylations of proteins having various functions.

Initiation factor eIF2 alpha phosphorylation in stress responses and apoptosis

The alpha subunit of polypeptide chain initiation factor eIF2 can be phosphorylated by a number of related protein kinases which are activated in response to cellular stresses. Physiological conditions which result in eIF2 alpha phosphorylation include virus infection, heat shock, iron deficiency, nutrient deprivation, changes in intracellular calcium, accumulation of unfolded or denatured proteins and the induction of apoptosis. Phosphorylated eIF2 acts as a dominant inhibitor of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor eIF2B and prevents the recycling of eIF2 between successive rounds of protein synthesis. Extensive phosphorylation of eIF2 alpha and strong inhibition of eIF2B activity can result in the downregulation of the overall rate of protein synthesis; less marked changes may lead to alterations in the selective translation of alternative open reading frames in polycistronic mRNAs, as demonstrated in yeast. These mechanisms can provide a signal transduction pathway linking eukaryotic cellular stress responses to alterations in the control of gene expression at the translational level.

Mammalian heat shock p70 and histone H4 transcripts, which derive from naturally intronless genes, are immune to nonsense-mediated decay

Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), also called mRNA surveillance, is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that degrades mRNAs that prematurely terminate translation. To date, the pathway in mammalian cells has been shown to depend on the presence of a cis-acting destabilizing element that usually consists of an exon-exon junction generated by the process of pre-mRNA splicing. Whether or not mRNAs that derive from naturally intronless genes, that is, mRNAs not formed by the process of splicing, are also subject to NMD has yet to be investigated. The possibility of NMD is certainly reasonable considering that mRNAs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are subject to NMD even though most derive from naturally intronless genes. In fact, mRNAs of S. cerevisiae generally harbor a loosely defined splicing-independent destabilizing element that has been proposed to function in NMD analogously to the spliced exon-exon junction of mammalian mRNAs. Here, we demonstrate that nonsense codons introduced into naturally intronless genes encoding mouse heat shock protein 70 or human histone H4 fail to elicit NMD. Failure is most likely because each mRNA lacks a cis-acting destabilizing element, because insertion of a spliceable intron a sufficient distance downstream of a nonsense codon within either gene is sufficient to elicit NMD.

Responsiveness of early embryos to environmental insults: potential protective roles of HSP70 and glutathione

Early embryos are not as passive as previously thought. In the bovine, embryos as early as the 2-cell stage can respond to environmental insults at both the cellular and molecular level by altering expression of specific genes and synthesis of proteins. Moreover, sex related differences exist in how early embryos respond to otherwise hostile environments. As aggressive as early embryos may be to tolerate environment insults, the majority will fail to continue in development. Reduced developmental potential of embryos exposed to elevated temperatures is likely due to direct effects on the early embryo. However, as embryos proceed in development they acquire the ability to better withstand environmental insults. Developmental acquisition of tolerance to environmental stress may be contingent upon acquisition of protective biochemical mechanisms or simply due to increased cell numbers. Correlative evidence has suggested a potential role of heat shock protein 70 and glutathione for protection of embryos in face of elevated temperature. Of these two possibilities, HSP70 appears least likely to play a significant role in developmental acquisition of thermotolerance. Bovine embryos as early as the 2-cell stage, are able to mount a heat shock response; a developmental stage that is most sensitive to elevated temperatures. A more likely candidate for conferring increased resistance of early embryos to elevated temperature is glutathione.

eIF4 initiation factors: effectors of mRNA recruitment to ribosomes and regulators of translation

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) is a protein complex that mediates recruitment of ribosomes to mRNA. This event is the rate-limiting step for translation under most circumstances and a primary target for translational control. Functions of the constituent proteins of eIF4F include recognition of the mRNA 5' cap structure (eIF4E), delivery of an RNA helicase to the 5' region (eIF4A), bridging of the mRNA and the ribosome (eIF4G), and circularization of the mRNA via interaction with poly(A)-binding protein (eIF4G). eIF4 activity is regulated by transcription, phosphorylation, inhibitory proteins, and proteolytic cleavage. Extracellular stimuli evoke changes in phosphorylation that influence eIF4F activity, especially through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Ras signaling pathways. Viral infection and cellular stresses also affect eIF4F function. The recent determination of the structure of eIF4E at atomic resolution has provided insight about how translation is initiated and regulated. Evidence suggests that eIF4F is also implicated in malignancy and apoptosis.

The Escherichia coli heat shock protein ClpB restores acquired thermotolerance to a cyanobacterial clpB deletion mutant

In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the heat shock protein ClpB functions as a molecular chaperone and plays a key role in resisting high temperature stress. ClpB is important for the development of thermotolerance in yeast and cyanobacteria but apparently not in Escherichia coli. We undertook a complementation study to investigate whether the ClpB protein from E coli (EcClpB) differs functionally from its cyanobacterial counterpart in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. The EcClpB protein is 56% identical to its ClpB1 homologue in Synechococcus. A plasmid construct was prepared containing the entire E coli clpB gene under the control of the Synechococcus clpB1 promoter. This construct was transformed into a Synechococcus clpB1 deletion strain (deltaclpB1) and integrated into a phenotypically neutral site of the chromosome. The full-length EcClpB protein (EcClpB-93) was induced in the transformed Synechococcus strain during heat shock as well as the smaller protein (EcClpB-79) that arises from a second translational start inside the single clpB message. Using cell survival measurements we show that the EcClpB protein can complement the Synechococcus deltaclpB1 mutant and restore its ability to develop thermotolerance. We also demonstrate that both EcClpB-93 and -79 appear to contribute to the degree of acquired thermotolerance restored to the Synechococcus complementation strains.

Chaperone hsp27 inhibits translation during heat shock by binding eIF4G and facilitating dissociation of cap-initiation complexes

Inhibition of protein synthesis during heat shock limits accumulation of unfolded proteins that might damage eukaryotic cells. We demonstrate that chaperone Hsp27 is a heat shock-induced inhibitor of cellular protein synthesis. Translation of most mRNAs requires formation of a cap-binding initiation complex known as eIF4F, consisting of factors eIF4E, eIF4A, eIF4E kinase Mnk1, poly(A)-binding protein, and adaptor protein eIF4G. Hsp27 specifically bound eIF4G during heat shock, preventing assembly of the cap-initiation/eIF4F complex and trapping eIF4G in insoluble heat shock granules. eIF4G is a specific target of Hsp27, as eIF4E, eIF4A, Mnk1, poly(A)-binding protein, eIF4B, and eIF3 were not bound by Hsp27 and were not recruited into insoluble complexes. Dissociation of eIF4F was enhanced during heat shock by ectopic overexpression of Hsp25, the murine homolog of human Hsp27. Overexpression of Hsc70, a constitutive homolog of Hsp70, prevented loss of cap-initiation complexes and maintained eIF4G solubility. Purified Hsp27 specifically bound purified eIF4G in vitro, prevented in vitro translation, eliminated eIF4G interaction with protein binding factors, and promoted eIF4G insolubilization. These results therefore demonstrate that Hsp27 is a heat-induced inhibitor of eIF4F-dependent mRNA translation.

Chaperone Hsp27 inhibits translation during heat shock by binding eIF4G and facilitating dissociation of cap-initiation complexes

Inhibition of protein synthesis during heat shock limits accumulation of unfolded proteins that might damage eukaryotic cells. We demonstrate that chaperone Hsp27 is a heat shock-induced inhibitor of cellular protein synthesis. Translation of most mRNAs requires formation of a cap-binding initiation complex known as eIF4F, consisting of factors eIF4E, eIF4A, eIF4E kinase Mnk1, poly(A)-binding protein, and adaptor protein eIF4G. Hsp27 specifically bound eIF4G during heat shock, preventing assembly of the cap-initiation/eIF4F complex and trapping eIF4G in insoluble heat shock granules. eIF4G is a specific target of Hsp27, as eIF4E, eIF4A, Mnk1, poly(A)-binding protein, eIF4B, and eIF3 were not bound by Hsp27 and were not recruited into insoluble complexes. Dissociation of eIF4F was enhanced during heat shock by ectopic overexpression of Hsp25, the murine homolog of human Hsp27. Overexpression of Hsc70, a constitutive homolog of Hsp70, prevented loss of cap-initiation complexes and maintained eIF4G solubility. Purified Hsp27 specifically bound purified eIF4G in vitro, prevented in vitro translation, eliminated eIF4G interaction with protein binding factors, and promoted eIF4G insolubilization. These results therefore demonstrate that Hsp27 is a heat-induced inhibitor of eIF4F-dependent mRNA translation.

RNA-binding proteins TIA-1 and TIAR link the phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha to the assembly of mammalian stress granules

In response to environmental stress, the related RNA-binding proteins TIA-1 and TIAR colocalize with poly(A)(+) RNA at cytoplasmic foci that resemble the stress granules (SGs) that harbor untranslated mRNAs in heat shocked plant cells (Nover et al. 1989; Nover et al. 1983; Scharf et al. 1998). The accumulation of untranslated mRNA at SGs is reversible in cells that recover from a sublethal stress, but irreversible in cells subjected to a lethal stress. We have found that the assembly of TIA-1/R(+) SGs is initiated by the phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha. A phosphomimetic eIF-2alpha mutant (S51D) induces the assembly of SGs, whereas a nonphosphorylatable eIF-2alpha mutant (S51A) prevents the assembly of SGs. The ability of a TIA-1 mutant lacking its RNA-binding domains to function as a transdominant inhibitor of SG formation suggests that this RNA-binding protein acts downstream of the phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha to promote the sequestration of untranslated mRNAs at SGs. The assembly and disassembly of SGs could regulate the duration of stress- induced translational arrest in cells recovering from environmental stress.

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4B from wheat and Arabidopsis thaliana is a member of a multigene family

Clones of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4B from wheat and Arabidopsis thaliana were obtained from cDNA and genomic libraries. The exon/intron organization of the genes from wheat and A. thaliana is very similar. The deduced amino acid sequences for the wheat and Arabidopsis eIF4B proteins showed overall similarity to each other, but very little similarity to eIF4B from other eukaryotes. The recombinant form of eIF4B supports polypeptide synthesis in an in vitro translation system and reacts with antibodies to native wheat eIF4B. In contrast to mammalian eIF4B and eIF4A, the combination of wheat eIF4B and eIF4A does not stimulate RNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis activity; however, wheat eIF4B does stimulate eIF4F and eIF4A RNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis activity. Interestingly, eIF4B does not stimulate eIF(iso)4F and eIF4A hydrolysis activity. Gel filtration experiments indicate wheat eIF4B, like its mammalian counterpart, self-associates to form a homodimer.

Striking multiplicity of eIF4E-BP1 phosphorylated isoforms identified by 2D gel electrophoresis regulation by heat shock

Eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E-binding protein 1 (eIF4E-BP1), or PHAS-I, is multiply phosphorylated by insulin-stimulated protein kinase(s). Estimates for the number of phosphorylation sites range from two to greater than eight. IEF/SDS/PAGE can precisely differentiate protein isoforms based on their differences in charge (phosphorylation) and molecular mass. In this study, the diversity of eIF4E-BP1 isoforms was determined using IEF/SDS/PAGE/immunoblotting of unfractionated cell lysates. To investigate the molecular regulation of phosphorylation, alterations in eIF4E-BP1 in response to heat shock in HeLa cells were determined. In exponentially growing cells, 8-10 prominent eIF4E-BP1 isoforms were detected. Following heat shock, a rapid, temperature-dependent dephosphorylation of eIF4E-BP1 occurs roughly concurrent with protein synthesis inhibition; during recovery from heat shock rephosphorylation of eIF4E-BP1 parallels restoration of protein synthesis. However, eIF4E-BP1 and eIF4E kinases remain highly active during heat shock, as okadaic acid treatment restores phosphorylation of both factors in heat shocked cells. eIF4E-BP1 dephosphorylation is associated with eIF4E dissociation from large molecular mass complexes and increased binding to eIF4E-BP1. The amount of eIF4E-BP1 converted to the dephosphorylated state is sufficient to titrate all the eIF4E present. eIF4E-BP1 phosphorylation changes regulated by heat shock also occur in Drosophila. Of the 10 isoforms of eIF4E-BP1 resolved by IEF/SDS/PAGE, at least seven are labelled with [32P] and all 10 are recognized by (eIF4E-BP1)-specific antibodies. These results identify a complex set of eIF4E-BP1 phosphorylation isoforms; changes in the expression of these isoforms in response to stresses such as heat shock may contribute to translation repression.

Cellular stress in xenopus kidney cells enhances the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF)4E and the association of eIF4F with poly(A)-binding protein

Eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E binds to the 5'-cap structure of eukaryotic mRNA and has a central role in the control of cell proliferation. We have shown previously that the stimulation of cultured Xenopus kidney cells with serum resulted in the activation of protein synthesis, enhanced phosphorylation of eIF4E and increased binding of the adapter protein, eIF4G, and poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) to eIF4E to form the functional initiation factor complex, eIF4F/PABP. We now show that cellular stresses such as arsenite, anisomycin and heat shock also result in increased phosphorylation of eIF4E, eIF4F complex formation and the association of PABP with eIF4G, in conditions under which the rate of protein synthesis is severely inhibited. In contrast with reported effects on mammalian cells, the stress-induced increase in eIF4F complex formation occurs in the absence of changes in the association of eIF4E with its binding proteins 4E-BP1 or 4E-BP2. The stress-induced changes in eIF4E phosphorylation were totally abrogated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor SB203580, and were partly inhibited by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin. However, eIF4E phosphorylation was unaffected by extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MAP kinase) inhibitor PD98059. These results indicate that cellular stresses activate multiple signalling pathways that converge at the level of eIF4F complex formation to influence the interactions between eIF4E, eIF4G and PABP.

Development of rabbit embryos during a 96-h period of in vitro culture after superovulatory treatment under conditions of elevated ambient temperature

The effects of elevated ambient temperature on the response to exogenous gonadotropins were evaluated in female New Zealand White rabbits exposed to 33+/-1 degrees C (mean +/- SE) and 10-30% relative humidity (8 h/day) during a 5-day period. Does were treated with pFSH (0.3 mg/0.3 ml Standard Armour) twice daily during three consecutive days with a minimum interval of 8 h between injections. Six hours after the last FSH injection all does were removed from the experimental chamber, given hCG (25 IU/kg) and paired overnight. Nineteen hours after pairing, embryos were flushed from the reproductive tracts, evaluated, and subjected to in vitro culture during a 96-h period. The ovulatory responses to exogenous gonadotropins and fertilization rates did not differ significantly under conditions of elevated ambient temperature, whereas fewer blastocysts and increased number of degenerate embryos were observed after culture. We conclude that although hyperthermia was induced during exposure to elevated ambient temperature, it did not alter the ovulatory responses to gonadotropin treatment and plasma concentrations of FSH and LH compared with does in a thermoneutral environment. Exposure of donor rabbits to elevated ambient temperature before mating, however, increased embryonic degeneration.

Modulation of the heat-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase by quercetin

Effects of quercetin, a bioflavonoid compound, on heat-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in rat hepatoma (H4) cells were examined. Quercetin decreased cell viability and induced DNA fragmentation in heat-shocked H4 cells. MAP kinase in heat-shocked cells was activated and reached a peak at 1 hr after the heat shock, and then gradually decreased. Quercetin inhibited the heat-induced activation of MAP kinase observed at 1 hr after heat shock, but markedly stimulated MAP kinase activity at 4 hr after heat shock. Thus, quercetin modulated the heat-induced activation of MAP kinase in a biphasic manner. Present observations indicate that quercetin modulates protein phosphorylation, especially that controled by MAP kinase, in early events of heat shock response.

Inactivation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2B in vitro by heat shock

Protein synthesis in rat H35 Reuber hepatoma cells is rapidly inhibited on heat shock. At mild heat-shock temperatures the main cause for inhibition is the inactivation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B); under more severe heat-shock conditions the activity of several initiation factors is compromised. eIF2B is required for GDP/GTP exchange on eIF2, which delivers methionyl-tRNA to the 40 S ribosomal subunit. We have tried to elucidate the mechanism underlying the inactivation of eIF2B by assays in vitro. Incubation of cell extracts at 41 degreesC or higher led to the inactivation of eIF2B. In agreement with observations in cells exposed to mild heat shocks, the thermal inactivation of eIF2B could be ascribed to neither eIF2alpha phosphorylation nor the induction of another inhibitor. With the use of glycerol gradients we show that eIF2B forms aggregates in heat-treated extracts. Furthermore eIF2B activity is protected against heat shock in thermotolerant cells. Taken together, these results suggest a role for chaperones in the control of eIF2B activity.

A tale of two termini: a functional interaction between the termini of an mRNA is a prerequisite for efficient translation initiation

A quarter of century following the prediction that mRNAs are translated in a circular form, recent biochemical and genetic evidence has accumulated to support the idea that communication between the termini of an mRNA is necessary to promote translation initiation. The poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) interacts with the cap-associated eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G (in yeast and plants) and eIF4B (in plants), a functional consequence of which is to increase the affinity of PABP for poly(A) and to increase the affinity of the cap-binding complex, eIF4F (of which eIF4G is a subunit) for the 5' cap structure. In mammals, PABP interacts with a novel PABP-interacting protein that also binds eIF4A. The interaction between PABP and those initiation factors associated with the 5' terminus of an mRNA may also explain the role of PABP during mRNA turnover, as it protects the 5' cap from attack by Dcp1p, the decapping enzyme. Several of those mRNAs that have evolved functional equivalents to a cap or a poly(A) tail nevertheless require a functional interaction between terminal regulatory elements similar to that observed between the 5' cap and poly(A) tail, suggesting that efficient translation is predicated on communication between largely-separated regulatory elements within an mRNA.

The phosphorylation state of the wheat translation initiation factors eIF4B, eIF4A, and eIF2 is differentially regulated during seed development and germination

The translation initiation factors (eIF) 4B and eIF2 are phosphoproteins whose phosphorylation state differs between mature seed and leaves. We examined the isoforms of eIF4B and the alpha and beta subunits of eIF2 during the development and germination of wheat seed to determine whether the differences in their phosphorylation state are because of tissue-specific regulation or occur concomitant with changes in protein synthetic activity during development. eIF2alpha underwent phosphorylation through several intermediate isoforms that correlated with the increase and subsequent reduction in protein synthetic activity characteristic of seed development. eIF2beta and eIF4B, present as highly phosphorylated isoforms during early seed development, underwent dephosphorylation during late development. eIF4B was rapidly phosphorylated within 20 h of germination, whereas eIF2alpha did not undergo dephosphorylation until 48-60 h of growth. A third factor, eIF4A, was predominantly nonphosphorylated throughout most of seed development and germination. These observations suggest that the phosphorylation state of eIF2alpha, eIF2beta, and eIF4B is developmentally regulated in a way that correlates with the changes in protein synthetic activity but that some differences were also observed.

Interferon-alpha inhibits the emergence of cellular stress response-dependent morbillivirus large plaque variants

Cellular levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs) are elevated in response to physiologic states accompanying acute virus infection (e.g. fever). The objective of the present work was to define the antiviral effect of purified human lymphoblastoid IFN in the presence of HSP over-expression. For this purpose, canine distemper virus (CDV) was used since the response of CDV transcription and persistent infection phenotype to elevated HSP is characterized. First, the effect of elevated HSP on CDV lytic infection phenotype in Vero and CV1 cells was defined, and results extended to the closely related measles virus (MV). Cells expressing elevated levels of the major inducible 70-kDa HSP (hsp72) supported the emergence of large plaque variants of both CDV and MV from small plaque purified inocula. IFN treatment concurrent with infection caused a dosage-dependent reduction in the expression of large plaque variants without affecting hsp72 levels or total plaque number. In contrast to the stress response-induced large plaque variant, small plaques were resistant to the antiviral effects of IFN. These data demonstrate the ability of IFN to selectively abrogate the pro-viral effects of HSP over-expression, inhibiting the formation of a plaque phenotype that is correlated to enhanced virulence in animal models of morbillivirus encephalitis.

The Arabidopsis thaliana cDNAs coding for eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E are not functionally equivalent for yeast complementation and are differentially expressed during plant development

Two cDNAs (At.EIF4E1 and At.EIF4E2) encoding, respectively, the eukaryotic initiation factors eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E of Arabidopsis thaliana were isolated by complementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae conditional mutant. The deduced amino acid sequences of the proteins are homologous to those from monocotyledonous plants, yeast and mammals. The corresponding genes were identified in YAC clones mapping to chromosome IV (At.EIF4E1) and to chromosome V (At.EIF4E2). The yeast strain complemented by At.EIF4E2 grew poorly compared with an isogenic strain expressing At.EIF4E1. Northern and in situ hybridization analysis show that both Arabidopsis At.EIF4E1 and At.EIF4E2 mRNAs are differentially accumulated in plant tissues. The At.EIF4E1 mRNA is expressed in all tissues except in the cells of the specialization zone of the roots; the At.EIF4E2 mRNA is particularly abundant in floral organs and in young developing tissues. This work further demonstrates an association between a high level of EIF4E mRNAs and cell proliferation and suggests that the plant eIF4E isoforms may have distinct functions in cell development and metabolism.

A mathematical model of the hsp70 regulation in the cell

A mathematical model of the regulation process of the heat shock protein hsp70 in the cell is presented. The model describes the damaging effect of elevated temperature on proteins; the interaction of free hsp70 with injured proteins and its chaperone role in nascent protein translation; the relation between the amount of free hsp70 and the formation of the activated trimer form of the heat shock factor protein (HSF); the binding of activated HSF with the heat shock elements on the DNA; the transcription of mRNA of hsp70 and the synthesis of hsp70. The reaction of the model to a temporal rise in temperature shows an initial decline and a subsequent sharp rise to an ultimately increased level of free hsp70 in the cell. The response of the model to both a single and two consecutive heat shocks appears to closely resemble experimental data on hsp70 synthesis. This general agreement demonstrates the structure of the model to be sound and suitable as a basis for further modelling the complex tolerance mechanism of the cell.

Inactivation of eIF2B and phosphorylation of PHAS-I in heat-shocked rat hepatoma cells

Various factors are involved in the heat shock-induced inhibition of protein synthesis. Changes upon heat shock in phosphorylation, leading to inactivation, of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) eIF2 and eIF4E have been shown for several cell types. However, in mammalian cells these changes occur at temperatures of 43 degrees C or higher while protein synthesis is already affected at milder heat shock temperatures. In searching for the cause for the inhibition of protein synthesis, the regulation of eIF2 and eIF4E by additional factors was analyzed. In this respect, the activity of eIF2B was measured during and after heat shock. A very clear correlation was found between the activity of this guanine exchange factor and the levels of protein synthesis, also at mild heat shock conditions. Changes in the phosphorylation of eIF4E and of the eIF4E-binding protein PHAS-I were also analyzed. Surprisingly, in H35 cells as well as in some other cell lines, PHAS-I phosphorylation was increased by heat shock, whereas in others it was decreased. Therefore, decreasing the eIF4E availability under stressful conditions does not seem to be a general mechanism to inhibit protein synthesis by heat shock. Regulation of eIF2B activity appears to be the main mechanism to control translation initiation after heat shock at mild temperatures.

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.

Ontogeny of temperature-regulated heat shock protein 70 synthesis in preimplantation bovine embryos

Development of the preimplantation embryo is very susceptible to disruption by heat shock. As embryos proceed through development, they acquire resistance to heat shock, perhaps because they become transcriptionally active and can respond to environmental changes by undergoing transcriptionally-regulated cellular adaptation. Objectives were to determine the ontogeny of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) synthesis in preimplantation bovine embryos and to ascertain whether heat-induced increases in HSP70 in embryos are caused by environmental alterations in gene expression. Exposure of bovine embryos to heat shock induced synthesis of a 68 kDa form of HSP70 called HSP68 as early as the two-cell stage of development. Induction of HSP68 was alpha-amanitin independent at the two-cell stage but was blocked by alpha-amanitin as early as the early four-cell stage. Therefore, heat-induced synthesis of HSP68 is regulated at the level of transcription at a time before the major round of embryonic genome activation is considered to occur. Two other constitutive HSP70 molecules were identified called heat shock cognates (HSC) 71 and 70; both proteins were synthesized during all stages of development from the two-cell to hatched blastocyst stages. However, heat-induced synthesis of HSC71 and HSC70 was not evident until the expanded blastocyst stage. In conclusion, environmental signals can activate gene expression before the major round of embryonic genome activation occurs in bovine embryos. Moreover, differences in thermal sensitivity of early embryos to heat shock is not caused by an inability to synthesize HSP70, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved in developmental acquisition of thermotolerance.

The heat shock stress response after brain lesions: induction of 72 kDa heat shock protein (cell types involved, axonal transport, transcriptional regulation) and protein synthesis inhibition

The cerebral stress response is examined following a variety of pathological conditions such as focal and global ischemia, administration of excitotoxins, and hyperthermia. Expression of 72 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) and hsp70 mRNA, the mechanism underlying induction of hsp70 mRNA involving activation of heat shock factor 1, and inhibition of cerebral protein synthesis are different aspects of the stress response considered here. The results are compared with those in the literature on induction, transcriptional regulation, expression, and cellular location of Hsp70, with a view to getting more insight into the function of the stress response in the injured brain. The present results illustrate that Hsp70 can be expressed in cells affected at various degrees following an insult that will either survive or dic as the brain lesion develops, depending on the severity of cell injury. This indicates that, under certain circumstances, synthesized Hsp70 might be necessary but not sufficient to ensure cell survival. Other situations involve uncoupling between synthesis of hsp70 mRNA and protein, probably due to very strict protein synthesis blockade, and often result in cell loss. Cells eventually will die if protein synthesis rates do not go back to normal after a period of protein synthesis inhibition. The stress response is a dynamic event that is switched on in neural cells sensitive to a brain insult. The stress response is, however, tricky, as affected cells seem to need it, have to deal transiently with it, but eventually be able to get rid of it, in order to survive. Putative therapeutic treatments can act either selectively, potentiating the synthesis of Hsp70 protein and recovery of protein synthesis, or preventing the stress response by deadening the insult severity.

Differential responses of bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos to heat shock

The authors sought to determine whether developmental differences in the magnitude of embryonic mortality caused by heat stress in vivo are caused by changes in resistance of embryos to elevated temperature. In this regard, responses of oocytes, two-cell embryos, four-to eight-cell embryos, and compacted morulae to heat shock were compared. An additional goal was to define further the role of cumulus cells and glutathione in thermoprotection of oocytes. In experiment 1, heat shock (41 degrees C for 12 hr) decreased the number of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage for two-cell (26% vs. 0%) and four- to eight-cell (25% vs. 10%) embryos but did not affect morulae (37% vs. 42%). In experiment 2, exposure of two-cell embryos to 41 degrees C for 12 hr reduced the number of four- to eight-cell embryos present 24 hr after the end of heat shock (88% vs. 62%). In experiment 3, heat shock reduced the number of two-cell embryos developing to blastocyst (49% vs. 8%) but did not affect subsequent development of oocytes when heat shock occurred during the first 12 hr of maturation (46% vs. 41% development to blastocyst); membrane integrity was not altered. In experiment 4, oocytes were cultured with an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, DL-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO), for 24 hr and exposed to 41 degrees C for the first 12 hr of maturation. Percentages of blastocysts were 35% (39 degrees C), 18% (41 degrees C), 17% (39 degrees C + BSO), and 11% (41 degrees C + BSO). For experiment 5, oocytes were either denuded or left with cumulus intact and were then radiolabeled with [35S]methionine and [35S]cysteine at 39 degrees C or 41 degrees C for 12 hr. Exposure of oocytes to 41 degrees C for 12 hr reduced overall synthesis of 35S-labeled TCA-precipitable intracellular proteins (18,160 vs. 14,594 dpm/oocyte), whereas presence of cumulus increased synthesis (9,509 vs. 23,246). Analysis by two-dimensional SDS PAGE and fluorography revealed that heat shock protein 68 (HSP68) and two other putative heat shock proteins, P71 and P70, were synthesized by all oocytes regardless of treatment. Heat shock did not alter the synthesis of HSP68 or P71 but decreased amounts of newly synthesized P70. Cumulus cells increased synthesis of P71 and P70. Results indicate there is a biphasic change in resistance to elevations in temperature as oocytes mature, become fertilized, and develop. Resistance declines from the oocyte to the two-cell stage and then increases. Evidence suggests a role for cumulus cells in increasing HSP70 molecules and protein synthesis. Data also indicate a role for glutathione in oocyte function.

The phosphorylation state of translation initiation factors is regulated developmentally and following heat shock in wheat

Several translation initiation factors in mammals and yeast are regulated by phosphorylation. The phosphorylation state of these factors is subject to alteration during development, environmental stress (heat shock, starvation, or heme deprivation), or viral infection. The phosphorylation state and the effect of changes in phosphorylation of the translation initiation factors of higher plants have not been previously investigated. We have determined the isoelectric states for the wheat translation initiation factors eIF-4A, eIF-4B, eIF-4F, eIF-iso4F, and eIF-2 and the poly(A)-binding protein in the seed, during germination, and following heat shock of wheat seedlings using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western analysis. We found that the developmentally induced changes in isoelectric state observed during germination or the stress-induced changes were consistent with changes in phosphorylation. Treatment of the phosphorylated forms of the factors with phosphatases confirmed that the nature of the modification was due to phosphorylation. The isoelectric states of eIF-4B, eIF-4F (eIF-4E, p26), eIF-iso4F (eIF-iso4E, p28), and eIF-2alpha (p42) were altered during germination, suggesting that phosphorylation of these factors is developmentally regulated and correlates with the resumption of protein synthesis that occurs during germination. The phosphorylation of eIF-2beta (p38) or poly(A)-binding protein did not change either during germination or following a thermal stress. Only the phosphorylation state of two factors, eIF-4A and eIF-4B, changed following a heat shock, suggesting that plants may differ significantly from animals in the way in which their translational machinery is modified in response to a thermal stress.

Heat shock proteins and circadian rhythms

Significant circadian rhythms in heat shock gene expression were observed in a prokaryotic species (Synechocystis). In eukaryotes, in contrast, several heat shock genes (constitutive and inducible) were shown to be constantly expressed. A few cases of circadian expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), however, have been reported. Significant circadian changes of thermotolerance were observed in yeast and several plant species. Higher thermotolerance can be attributed to a higher abundance of HSPs, but also to other adaptive mechanisms. Zeitgeber effects of temperature changes can be explained on the basis of their direct effects on the state variables of the clock gene (per,frq) expression and its negative feedback loop. Effects of increased HSP concentrations, as observed after heat shock, but also after light and serotonin (5HT), appear possible, in particular with respect to nuclear localization of the clock (PER) protein, but these effects have not been documented yet. Thus, the role of HSPs in the circadian clock system is little understood and, from our point of view, deserves more attention.

Translational control of cellular and viral mRNAs

We are becoming increasingly aware of the role that translational control plays in regulating gene expression in plants. There are now many examples in which specific mechanisms have evolved at the translational level that directly impact the amount of protein produced from an mRNA. All regions of an mRNA, i.e., the 5' leader, the coding region, and the 3'-untranslated region, have the potential to influence translation. The 5'-terminal cap structure and the poly(A) tail at the 3' terminus serve as additional elements controlling translation. Many viral mRNAs have evolved alternatives to the cap and poly(A) tail that are functionally equivalent. Nevertheless, for both cellular and viral mRNAs, a co-dependent interaction between the terminal controlling elements appears to be the universal basis for efficient translation.

Sequence and structure determinants of Drosophila Hsp70 mRNA translation: 5'UTR secondary structure specifically inhibits heat shock protein mRNA translation

Preferential translation of Drosophila heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) mRNA requires only the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR). The sequence of this region suggests that it has relatively little secondary structure, which may facilitate efficient protein synthesis initiation. To determine whether minimal 5'-UTR secondary structure is required for preferential translation during heat shock, the effect of introducing stem-loops into the Hsp70 mRNA 5'-UTR was measured. Stem-loops of -11 kcal/mol abolished translation during heat shock, but did not reduce translation in non-heat shocked cells. A -22 kcal/mol stem-loop was required to comparably inhibit translation during growth at normal temperatures. To investigate whether specific sequence elements are also required for efficient preferential translation, deletion and mutation analyses were conducted in a truncated Hsp70 5'-UTR containing only the cap-proximal and AUG-proximal segments. Linker-scanner mutations in the cap-proximal segment (+1 to +37) did not impair translation. Re-ordering the segments reduced mRNA translational efficiency by 50%. Deleting the AUG-proximal segment severely inhibited translation. A 5-extension of the full-length leader specifically impaired heat shock translation. These results indicate that heat shock reduces the capacity to unwind 5-UTR secondary structure, allowing only mRNAs with minimal 5'-UTR secondary structure to be efficiently translated. A function for specific sequences is also suggested.

Modulation of protein phosphorylation and stress protein expression by okadaic acid on heat shock cells

We have demonstrated that pretreatment but not post-treatment with okadaic acid (OA) can aggravate cytotoxicity as well as alter the kinetics of stress protein expression and protein phosphorylation in heat shocked cells. Compared to heat shock, cells recovering from 1 hr pretreatment of OA at 200 nM and cotreated with heat shock at 45 degrees C for the last 15 min of incubation (OA-->HS treatment) exhibited enhanced induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) 70 and 110. In addition to enhanced expression, the attenuation of HSC70 and HSP90 after the induction peaks was also delayed in OA-->HS-treated cells. The above treatment also resulted in the rapid induction of the 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), which expression remained constant in cells recovering from treatment with 200 nM OA for 1 hr, heat shocked at 45 degrees C for 15 min, or in combined treatment in reversed order (HS-->OA treatment). Enhanced phosphorylation of vimentin and proteins with molecular weights of 65, 40, and 33 kDa and decreased phosphorylation of a protein with a molecular weight of 29 kDa were also observed in cells recovering from OA-->HS treatment. Again, protein phosphorylation in cells recovering from HS-->OA treatment did not differ from those in cells treated only with heat shock. Since the alteration in the kinetics of stress protein expression and protein phosphorylation was tightly correlated, we concluded that there is a critical link between induction of the stress proteins and phosphorylation of specific proteins. Furthermore, the rapid induction of GRP78 under the experimental condition offered a novel avenue for studying the regulation of its expression.

Heat-shock induced protein modifications and modulation of enzyme activities

Upon heat stress, the cell physiology is profoundly altered. The extent of the alterations depends on the severity of the stress and may lead to cell death. The heat shock response is an array of metabolic changes characterized by the impairment of major cellular functions and by an adaptative reprogramming of the cell metabolism. The enhanced synthesis of the HSPs is a spectacular manifestation of this reprogramming. Numerous post translational modifications of proteins occur in response to heat stress and can be related to altered cellular functions. Some proteins are heat-denatured and temporarily inactivated. Heat-denaturation is reversible, chaperones may contribute to the repair. The extent of heat-denaturation depends on the cell metabolism: (a) it is attenuated in thermotolerant cells or in cells overexpressing the appropriate chaperones (b) it is enhanced in energy-deprived cells. Covalent modifications may also rapidly alter protein function. Changes in protein glycosylation, methylation, acetylation, farnesylation, ubiquitination have been found to occur during stress. But protein phosphorylation is the most studied modification. Several protein kinase cascades are activated, among which the various mitogen activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) cascades which are also triggered by a wide range of stimuli. As a possible consequence, stress modifies the phosphorylation status and the activity of components from the transcriptional and translational apparatuses. The same kinases also target key enzymes of the cellular metabolism. Protein denaturation results in constitutive hsp titration, this titration is a signal to trigger the heat-shock gene transcription and to activate some of the protein kinase cascades.

Regulation of heat shock protein 70 synthesis by heat shock in the preimplantation murine embryo

Induced thermotolerance in murine embryos occurs at the 8-cell stage when embryos are maintained in vitro but not until the blastocyst stage if development proceeds in vivo. Present results indicate that ability of embryos to undergo induced thermotolerance is not limited by heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) synthesis. Exposure of 8-cell embryos to 40 degrees C enhanced synthesis of 2 constitutive HSP70 proteins (HSC70 and HSC72) and induced another protein, HSP68; exposure of 43 degrees C was required to induce similar responses in expanded blastocysts. Unlike induced thermotolerance, increased synthesis of HSP70 molecules did not depend on whether embryos were cultured or developed in vivo. Thus, other biochemical mechanisms in addition to HSP70 confer thermotolerance in the preimplantation-stage murine embryo. The observation that the temperature threshold for induction of HSP70 synthesis increased from the 8-cell to the blastocyst stage is indicative of these other biochemical processes.