Human heat shock gene expression and the modulation of plasma membrane Na+, K+-ATPase activity

Effects of pH alterations on stress- and aging-induced protein phase separation

Upon stress challenges, proteins/RNAs undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) to fine-tune cell physiology and metabolism to help cells adapt to adverse environments. The formation of LLPS has been recently linked with intracellular pH, and maintaining proper intracellular pH homeostasis is known to be essential for the survival of organisms. However, organisms are constantly exposed to diverse stresses, which are accompanied by alterations in the intracellular pH. Aging processes and human diseases are also intimately linked with intracellular pH alterations. In this review, we summarize stress-, aging-, and cancer-associated pH changes together with the mechanisms by which cells regulate cytosolic pH homeostasis. How critical cell components undergo LLPS in response to pH alterations is also discussed, along with the functional roles of intracellular pH fluctuation in the regulation of LLPS. Further studies investigating the interplay of pH with other stressors in LLPS regulation and identifying protein responses to different pH levels will provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying pH-driven LLPS in cell adaptation. Moreover, deciphering aging and disease-associated pH changes that influence LLPS condensate formation could lead to a deeper understanding of the functional roles of biomolecular condensates in aging and aging-related diseases.

Characterization and function analysis of Hsp60 and Hsp10 under different acute stresses in black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are a class of highly conserved proteins produced in virtually all living organisms from bacteria to humans. Hsp60 and Hsp10, the most important mitochondrial chaperones, participate in environmental stress responses. In this study, the full-length complementary DNAs (cDNAs) of Hsp60 (PmHsp60) and Hsp10 (PmHsp10) were cloned from Penaeus monodon. Sequence analysis showed that PmHsp60 and PmHsp10 encoded polypeptides of 578 and 102 amino acids, respectively. The expression profiles of PmHsp60 and PmHsp10 were detected in the gills and hepatopancreas of the shrimps under pH challenge, osmotic stress, and heavy metal exposure, and results suggested that PmHsp60 and PmHsp10 were involved in the responses to these stimuli. ATPase and chaperone activity assay indicated that PmHsp60 could slow down protein denaturation and that Hsp60/Hsp10 may be combined to produce a chaperone complex with effective chaperone and ATPase activities. Overall, this study provides useful information to help further understand the functional mechanisms of the environmental stress responses of Hsp60 and Hsp10 in shrimp.

Role of Membrane Components in Thermal Injury of Cells and Development of Thermotolerance

Exposure of cells to hyperthermia induces a transient resistance to subsequent heat treatment. The specific mechanisms responsible for hyperthermic cell killing and thermotolerance development are not well understood. It seems that heat may induce at least two different states of thermotolerance, of which one is dependent on protein synthesis. The expression of thermotolerance may include multiple cytoplasmic and membrane components. A number of studies have indicated that membranes play an important role in governing the thermal injury of cells. It seems, therefore, that heat denatured plasma membrane proteins may be a potential target for thermal stress and a trigger for the induction of thermotolerance. The localization of heat shock proteins in the plasma membrane and the suggestion of thermal resistance in enucleate erythrocytes support this suggestion. However, a direct relationship between the plasma membrane and hyperthermic killing or development of thermotolerance has not been found.

Octopamine mediates thermal preconditioning of the locust ventilatory central pattern generator via a cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway

We investigated the role of biogenic amines in generating thermoprotection of the ventilatory motor pattern circuitry in Locusta migratoria. Levels of octopamine (OA) and dopamine (DA) in the metathoracic ganglion decreased during heat stress. We measured the thermosensitivity of central pattern generation in response to a ramped increase of temperature in semi-intact preparations. OA, DA, and tyramine (TA) were either bath applied or injected into the locust hemocoel 4-8 h before testing. Neither TA nor DA modified the thermotolerance of ventilatory motor pattern generation. However, OA treatment by bath applications (10(-4) M OA) or by injections into the hemocoel (2 microg/10 microl OA) mimicked heat shock preconditioning and improved the thermotolerance of the motor pattern by increasing the failure temperature and by decreasing the time taken to recover operation after a return to room temperature. Heat shock-induced thermoprotection was eradicated in locusts preinjected with epinastine (Oct betaR antagonist). Neuropil injections of the cAMP agonist and protein kinase A (PKA) activator, Sp-cAMPs, both conferred thermoprotection in control locusts and rescued thermoprotection in epinastine-treated HS locusts. Similar injections of the PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMPs blocked the thermoprotective effect of bath-applied OA. Octopamine-mediated thermoprotection was also abolished with neuropil injections of cycloheximide or actinomycin D, indicating a requirement for transcription and translation. We conclude that OA has a crucial role in triggering protein synthesis-dependent physiological adaptations to protect CNS function during heat stress by activating a cAMP/PKA pathway.

Expression of Hsp72 in lymphocytes in patients with febrile convulsion

The pathophysiology of febrile convulsion, the most common childhood neurologic disease, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated what role a heat shock protein plays in this disease. We enrolled eight boys and two girls with febrile convulsion and 10 age-matched healthy controls. We did a biosynthetic evaluation of both groups by separating lymphocytes and measuring the expression of heat shock protein 72 before and after heat shock treatment. Before the treatment, both groups were found to have small amounts of constitutive heat shock protein 72. Afterwards, its expression increased in both groups, and no statistical difference was found between the increases in the two groups. In addition, there was no obvious difference in the susceptibility to produce heat shock proteins. However, the febrile convulsion group was found to have a significant decrease in phosphorylation of heat shock protein 72. These results suggest the possible involvement of post-translational modification of heat shock proteins, most likely phosphorylation, in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsion.

Passage of spermidine across the blood-brain barrier in short recirculation periods following global cerebral ischemia: effects of mild hyperthermia

Transport of a polyamine (PA), spermidine (SPMD) into rat brain at various early postischemic periods was studied. Rats underwent 20 min of four-vessel occlusion (4VO) followed by 5, 10, 30 and 60 min of recirculation (RC) periods with natural brain temperature. 3H-aminoisobutyricacid (AIB) and 14C-SPMD were utilised to search dual functions of the blood-brain barrier (BBB); barrier and carrier functions, respectively. Unidirectional blood-to-brain transfer constant (Kin) was calculated for AIB and SPMD in four brain regions-parieto-temporal cortex, striatum, hippocampus and cerebellum. Kin for SPMD ranged between 1.2+/-0.3 x 10(3) ml g(-1) min(-1) (for striatum) and 2.2+/-0.4 x 10(3) ml g(-1) min(-1) (for cerebellum) in controls. Kin for AIB showed similar values. At 5 and 10 min RC periods, Kin for both substances increased in a non-specific manner in all brain regions studied. In the cortex, Kin for SPMD at 5 and 10 min RC periods were 3.2+/-0.4 x 10(3) and 2.9+/-0.3 x 10(3) ml g(-1) min(-1), respectively, and found to be maximum with respect to other brain regions studied. 30 and 60 min RC groups showed specific transport for SPMD, whilst there were no changes for Kin for AIB, in all brain regions studied. Hippocampus showed the maximum increase in Kin SPMD at 60 min RC (2.7+/-0.3 x 10(3) ml g(-1) min(-1)), corresponding to a percentage rise of 121%. Intraischemic mild brain hyperthermia (39 degrees C) gave rise to a striking increase in Kin at 60 min postischemia for both substances. These results suggest that there is a specific transport of SPMD into brain at 30 and 60 min RC periods following 20 min of forebrain ischemia. Moreover, dual functions of the BBB were perturbed with intracerebral mild hyperthermia during ischemia.

Thermotolerance and heat shock proteins: possible involvement of Ku autoantigen in regulating Hsp70 expression

Here we characterize and compare the phenomenon of thermotolerance and permanent heat resistance in mammalian cells. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of thermotolerance, and the role that heat shock proteins play in its development and decay are discussed. Finally, we describe a novel constitutive HSE-binding factor (CHBF/Ku) that appears to be involved in the regulation of the heat shock response.

Differential heat stress stability of epidermal growth factor receptor and erbB-2 receptor tyrosine kinase activities

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) and erbB-2 receptors are structurally related membrane-bound tyrosine kinases. While these proteins exhibit close sequence homology, 50% overall and 80% in the tyrosine kinase domains, they respond very differently to heat stress. In NIH-3T3 or NR6 cells transfected with wild-type EGF-R and incubated at 37 degrees C or heat shocked at 46 degrees C, EGF binds to its receptor and stimulates receptor autophosphorylation to equivalent extents. At 46 degrees C, however, the basal tyrosine kinase activity of the wild-type erbB-2 receptor is rapidly lost. When cells containing chimeric receptors composed of the EGF-R extracellular domain and intracellular domain of erbB-2 were heat stressed, 125I-EGF bound to the receptors, but did not stimulate receptor autophosphorylation. The decline in EGF-stimulated chimeric erbB-2 receptor autophosphorylation is dependent on the length of heat shock, with nearly 100% of the kinase activity lost after 60 min at 46 degrees C. The loss of chimeric receptor erbB-2 kinase activity is not due to degradation of receptor protein, nor is it attributable to a specific transmembrane domain from either the EGF or erbB-2 receptors. Sensitivity of erbB-2 to heat stress is also not a result of denaturation of this receptor's carboxy-terminal domain. Insertion of the erbB-2 tyrosine kinase domain into the EGF-R confers heat stress sensitivity to the resultant chimeric receptor. Thus, although the EGF-R and erbB-2 kinase domains show a high degree of homology, the secondary/tertiary structures of these domains would seem to be stabilized in distinct manners.

The induction of pyruvate kinase synthesis by heat shock in Xenopus laevis embryos

Heat-shocked Xenopus embryos have an unusually complex heat shock response. The dominant heat shock protein (Hsp) has a relative molecular mass (M(r)) of 62,000 D (Hsp62). Affinity-purified IgGs against the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PK; EC 2.7.1.40) specifically immunoprecipitated Hsp62 from extracts of embryos that had been heat-shocked at 37 degrees C for 30 min. Thus, Hsp62 and pyruvate kinase are immunologically cross-reacting. Electrophoretic separation of PK isoforms suggests that heat-shocked Xenopus embryos increase synthesis of an isoform of PK. Thermal denaturation studies suggest that this isoform has enhanced thermal stability. The identification of PK as an Hsp is discussed within the context of a physiological requirement for elevated levels of anaerobic glycolysis in heat-stressed cells as a vital component of the acquisition of thermotolerance.

Activity of the epidermal-growth-factor receptor and phospholipase C-gamma 1 in heat-stressed fibroblasts and A-431 cells

A variety of changes in the functions of specific plasma-membrane components have been reported in cells exposed to a heat shock. In this study, we examined the consequences of heat stress on epidermal-growth-factor (EGF)-induced receptor autophosphorylation and receptor-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-gamma 1), a cellular substrate. Although the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF receptor is rapidly inactivated at 45 degrees C in vitro [Carpenter, King & Cohen (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 4884-4891], EGF stimulates autophosphorylation of its receptor in both A-431 cells and human fibroblasts after a prolonged heat shock. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the receptor reveals an EGF-induced increase in phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine at 46 degrees C. EGF also stimulates the phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 and induces the formation of inositol phosphates under heat-shock conditions. 125I-EGF binding and internalization in A-431 cells is not decreased during incubations at 46 degrees C for up to 90 min. EGF-induced dimerization of EGF receptors on the cell surface is preserved during heat shock. Though EGF-receptor-mediated endocytosis is not inhibited by elevated temperature, the degradation of internalized 125I-EGF is dramatically decreased. These results indicate that, aside from ligand degradation, the EGF-mediated pathway of signal transduction through phospholipase C-gamma 1 remains remarkably intact during conditions of extreme cellular stress.

Response of mammalian cells to metabolic stress; changes in cell physiology and structure/function of stress proteins

In response to adverse changes in their local environment, cells or tissues from all organisms increase the expression of a group of proteins referred to as heat shock or stress proteins. Collectively, the stress proteins are thought to provide the cell with some degree of protection during the environmental insult as well as facilitate the repair and recovery of metabolic pathways perturbed as a consequence of the stress event. Within the past few years it has become apparent that most all of the stress proteins are present in appreciable levels in the unstressed cell and are involved in a number of very basic and essential biochemical pathways. The present review has discussed pertinent changes in cell physiology in mammalian cells experiencing metabolic stress. In addition, considerable attention has been given to discussing the properties and possible functions of the individual stress proteins.

Acquired thermotolerance following heat shock protein synthesis prevents impairment of mitochondrial ATPase activity at elevated temperatures in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The complex molecular response of cells to sudden temperature changes is a well-characterized phenomenon. Although it is clear that the induction of heat shock proteins provides protection from heat in all of the organisms so far tested, very little is known about the role that this set of proteins plays in cellular homeostasis. Recently, putative roles for hsp60 and hsp70-like proteins have been proposed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. hsp70-like proteins have been shown to be necessary for translocation of precursor polypeptides into mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, while hsp60 is required for the assembly of precursor polypeptides into oligomeric complexes following incorporation into the mitochondrial matrix. In this paper, we report that a brief temperature shock (44 degrees C) impairs coupling of oxidative phosphorylation in S. cerevisiae as measured indirectly by the Cl-CCP/oligomycin assay. Furthermore, at high temperature oligomycin stimulates rather than inhibits oxygen uptake under nonthermotolerant conditions. Pretreatment of cells for a short period of time at 37 degrees C, prior to exposure to higher temperatures rescues the capacity to maintain coupling between oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport. Inhibition of cytoplasmic RNA or protein synthesis during heat shock prevents the protection of this mitochondrial activity. We propose that one of the roles of the induction of heat shock proteins (or related activities) is to protect mitochondrial ATPase activity under conditions of further increase in temperature.

Effects of hyperthermia on the membrane potential and Na+ transport of V79 fibroblasts

The effects of hyperthermia (41-43 degrees C) on the membrane potential (calculated from the transmembrane distribution of [3H]tetraphenylphosphonium) and Na+ transport of Chinese hamster V79 fibroblasts were studied. At 41 degrees C, hyperthermia induced a membrane hyperpolarization of log phase cells (5 to 26 mV) that was reversible upon returning to 37 degrees C. The hyperpolarization was inhibited 50% by 1 mM ouabain or 0.25 mM amiloride, an inhibitor of Na+:H+ exchange. Shifting temperature to 41 degrees C increased ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake indicating activation of the electrogenic Na+ pump. At 43 degrees C for 60 min, the membrane potential of log phase cells depolarized (20-35 mV). Parallel studies demonstrated enhanced Na+ uptake at 41 degrees C only in the presence of ouabain. At 43 degrees C, Na+ uptake was increased relative to controls with or without ouabain present. At both 41 and 43 degrees C, 0.25 mM amiloride inhibited heat-stimulated Na+ uptake. Na+ efflux was enhanced at 41 degrees C in a process inhibited by ouabain. Thus, one consequence of heat treatment at 41 degrees C is activation of Na+:H+ exchange with the resultant increase in cytosolic [Na+] activating the electrogenic Na+ pump. At temperatures greater than or equal to 43 degrees C, the Na+ pump is inhibited.

Oxidative stress and tumour cell proliferation

The effects of oxidant stress were studied in immortalised hamster (BHK-21) and rat (208F) cell lines before and after transformation to the malignant state with polyoma virus, or activated H-ras, respectively. Whilst intracellular superoxide production was detectable in both transformed and immortalised cells the rate was somewhat higher in the transformed cells which have lower levels of superoxide dismutase. Because growth of transformed cells was particularly depressed in the presence of MTT, a tetrazolium compound reduced by superoxide, the possible role of active oxygen species in the promotion of cell growth was examined. Low levels of hydrogen peroxide were stimulatory towards both immortalised and transformed cells. In the case of H-ras transformed rat cells, paraquat was also stimulatory provided serum was present in the growth medium. In the absence of serum, paraquat was notably inhibitory but inhibition could be alleviated by addition of low concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (10(-8)M) to the serum-depleted medium. Although depletion of serum from the growth medium also leads to lower cell proliferation, subsequent experiments showed that alpha-tocopherol addition to serum-free medium was sufficient to restimulate growth. In the case of transformed cells, yields of cells were even greater than that encountered in the presence of 10% serum. Thus whilst certain active oxygen species (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) may have a role in promoting the growth of transformed and immortalised cells the necessity for antioxidant protection is important.

Biochemical analysis of heat-resistant mouse tumor cell strains: a new member of the HSP70 family

A series of heat-resistant mutants selected from a murine tumor cell line, RIF-1, display a markedly increased and stable resistance to heat shock. The mutant cell lines were analyzed for differences that may explain their increased resistance. Membrane lipid analysis showed no change in cholesterol content but an increase in the proportion of saturated fatty acids in the phospholipid fraction. Two-dimensional gel analysis revealed a generally increased constitutive synthesis of several major heat shock proteins (HSP), including HSP90, 68, 60, and 28. In addition, a new protein in the 70-kilodalton region is present in the resistant lines. The new protein has a lower isoelectric point than the constitutive HSP70 does, is only weakly induced by heat shock, and is immunologically cross-reactive with other members of the HSP70 family. After heat shock, the mutants display increases in HSP similar to those seen in the wild-type cells and they develop further transient tolerance to heat. Analysis of these mutants may help in understanding the function of HSP, both in normal growth and after heat shock.

Biochemical analysis of heat-resistant mouse tumor cell strains: a new member of the HSP70 family

A series of heat-resistant mutants selected from a murine tumor cell line, RIF-1, display a markedly increased and stable resistance to heat shock. The mutant cell lines were analyzed for differences that may explain their increased resistance. Membrane lipid analysis showed no change in cholesterol content but an increase in the proportion of saturated fatty acids in the phospholipid fraction. Two-dimensional gel analysis revealed a generally increased constitutive synthesis of several major heat shock proteins (HSP), including HSP90, 68, 60, and 28. In addition, a new protein in the 70-kilodalton region is present in the resistant lines. The new protein has a lower isoelectric point than the constitutive HSP70 does, is only weakly induced by heat shock, and is immunologically cross-reactive with other members of the HSP70 family. After heat shock, the mutants display increases in HSP similar to those seen in the wild-type cells and they develop further transient tolerance to heat. Analysis of these mutants may help in understanding the function of HSP, both in normal growth and after heat shock.

A role for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the development of thermotolerance in Xenopus laevis embryos

During heat shock, Xenopus laevis embryos exhibit an increase in the rate of accumulation of lactate and a loss of ATP relative to non-heat-shocked control embryos. These results suggest that heat shock stimulates a shift in energy metabolism to anaerobic glycolysis while at the same time causing an increase in the demand for ATP. We have evidence indicating that the embryo may meet such demands placed on it by increasing the levels of some glycolytic enzymes. In this report, we show that heat shock stimulates increases in the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase [( EC 1.2.1.12] GAPDH). The specific activity of GAPDH shows a significant increase after heat shock, which correlates with the accumulation of GAPDH in heat-shocked embryos as detected by immunoblotting. Increases in GAPDH-specific activity are variable, however, and are inversely proportional to the levels of specific activity in control embryos; i.e., constitutive enzyme activity. We further analyzed the heat-enhanced accumulation of GAPDH by electrophoretically separating GAPDH isozymes on nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels. Control embryos exhibit a single isozyme of GAPDH, whereas heat-shocked embryos exhibit two isozymes of GAPDH. When these isozymes are labeled with [35S]methionine, separated by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis, and analyzed by fluorography, a heat-shock protein is found to comigrate with the isozyme unique to the heat-shocked sample. Enzyme activity assays at different temperatures suggest that this isozyme has optimum enzymatic activity only at heat-shock temperatures. We have correlated a 35-kD heat-shock protein (hsp35) with GAPDH using the following evidence: this hsp comigrates with GAPDH on one-dimensional SDS polyacrylamide gels; heat-enhanced increases in GAPDH specific activity correlate with hsp35 synthesis; and hsp35 and GAPDH have similar peptide maps. This relationship also provides a compelling explanation for the restriction of hsp35 synthesis to the vegetal hemisphere cells of heat-shocked early gastrulae reported previously (Nickells, R. W., and L. W. Browder. 1985. Dev. Biol. 112:391-395).

The effects of heat shock on the morphology and protein synthesis of the epidermis of Xenopus laevis larvae

By scanning electron microscopy, we have observed that a 20-min heat shock at 37 degrees C, although not lethal, causes extensive damage to the epidermis of 30-h and 2-d (post-fertilization) Xenopus laevis larvae. The primary effects of heat shock are the apical swelling of the epidermal cells, giving the epidermis a "cobblestone" appearance, and the selective shedding of the ciliated cells. The shed cells may be cell fragments, however, because some of them are anucleate. Shed cells also exhibit the enriched synthesis of a group of heat shock proteins of 62,000 D molecular weight, suggesting that these proteins are specific to the shed cells. Prolonged heat shock of these larvae (i.e., 30 min at 37 degrees C) results in the complete disintegration of the epidermis, followed by larval death. At later stages of development (3-d and 4-d post-fertilization), the epidermis becomes more resistant to heat-induced damage inflicted by a 20-min heat shock. This increase in resistance coincides with the development of large secretory cells and the loss of ciliated cells in the epidermis and thus parallels a change in the state of histological differentiation.

The effect of hyperthermia on intracellular K+ in Chinese hamster ovary cells

The effect of hyperthermia on intracellular K+ concentrations was studied in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in vitro, using a flame photometer. Intracellular K+ concentrations decreased with increasing exposure time at temperatures from 40 degrees C to 45 degrees C. The decrease in K+ concentrations preceded any loss of reproductive capability at 43 degrees C and also occurred at the non-lethal temperature of 40 degrees C. Prolonged exposure to 45 degrees C resulted in an irreversible decrease in K+ concentrations. The decrease in K+ concentrations at elevated temperatures was not accounted for by changes in cell volume, loss of cells or failure of the Na+/K+ pump.

Heat shock induces peroxidase activity in Neurospora crassa and confers tolerance toward oxidative stress

Heat shock treatment of 14-h-old Neurospora crassa mycelium, for 1 h at 48 degrees C, led to the induction of high levels of peroxidase (EC. 1.11.1.7) activity. No significant change was observed in the superoxide dismutase content. Colonies formed by plating conidial suspensions on sorbose-medium also exhibited high peroxidase activity following exposure to hyperthermia and were found to be resistant to normally toxic doses of H2O2. Thus one of the heat shock proteins of N. crassa has the function of protection against oxidative stress.

Induction of the stress response: alterations in membrane-associated transport systems and protein modification in heat shocked or Sindbis virus-infected cells

Heat shock or Sindbis virus infection of chick embryo (CE) or baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells resulted in a decrease in the uptake of 86Rubidium+, a K+ tracer. Both stressful treatments decreased 86Rb+ uptake by inhibition of the ouabain-sensitive Na+/K+ ATPase. Alterations in the intracellular levels of monovalent ions may be involved in translational or transcriptional control of the stress response. Heat shock or Sindbis virus infection also resulted in an increase in rate of uptake of [3H]deoxy-D-glucose and a decrease in the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine or [3H]mannose into most cellular proteins. These results suggested that heat shock or Sindbis virus infection alter hexose metabolism and that abnormally glycosylated proteins may accumulate in stressed cells. Exposure of uninfected chick embryo cells to elevated temperature had little effect on the overall rate of incorporation of [32P]orthophosphate into cellular proteins. However, one protein (Mr 31,000; pp31) displayed increased incorporation of [32P]orthophosphate and two other proteins (Mr 33,000 and 20,000; pp33 and pp20) displayed decreased incorporation. Sindbis virus infection failed to mimic or to modify these heat shock induced alterations in protein phosphorylation.

Large changes in intracellular pH and calcium observed during heat shock are not responsible for the induction of heat shock proteins in Drosophila melanogaster

Heat shock caused significant changes in intracellular pH (pHi) and intracellular free calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i) which occurred rapidly after temperature elevation. pHi fell from a resting level value at 25 degrees C of 7.38 +/- 0.02 (mean +/- standard error of the mean, n = 15) to 6.91 +/- 0.11 (n = 7) at 35 degrees C. The resting level value of [Ca2+]i in single Drosophila melanogaster larval salivary gland cells was 198 +/- 31 nM (n = 4). It increased approximately 10-fold, to 1,870 +/- 770 nM (n = 4), during a heat shock. When salivary glands were incubated in calcium-free, ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)-buffered medium, the resting level value of [Ca2+]i was reduced to 80 +/- 7 nM (n = 3), and heat shock resulted in a fourfold increase in [Ca2+]i to 353 +/- 90 nM (n = 3). The intracellular free-ion concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl-, and Mg2+ were 9.6 +/- 0.8, 101.9 +/- 1.7, 36 +/- 1.5, and 2.4 +/- 0.2 mM, respectively, and remained essentially unchanged during a heat shock. Procedures were devised to mimic or block the effects of heat shock on pHi and [Ca2+]i and to assess their role in the induction of heat shock proteins. We report here that the changes in [Ca2+]i and pHi which occur during heat shock are not sufficient, nor are they required, for a complete induction of the heat shock response.

Oxidative stress and heat shock protein induction in human cells

Agents which induce heat shock protein synthesis in cultured monolayers of Hela cells such as hyperthermia, ethanol and sodium arsenite can also cause increases in the levels of lipid peroxidation as determined by the formation of TBA-products. The heat induced increases may be diminished by addition to the medium of mannitol or EGTA. These compounds are known to depress heat shock protein synthesis. Following hyperthermia there is also a decrease in protein synthesis. In vitro studies indicate possible damage to ribosomes, and since the heat induced loss of protein synthetic capacity can be increased by superoxide dismutase inhibitors, and prevented by mannitol, such effects may be linked to the increases observed in lipid peroxidation. It is suggested that a connection exists between lipid peroxidation and heat shock protein gene activation.

Sensitization of rat hepatocytes to hyperthermia by calcium

The viability of isolated rat hepatocytes, as assayed by trypan blue exclusion, decreases in a dose-dependent fashion during exposure to hyperthermia (D0 [43 degrees C] = 105 +/- 10 min, D0 [45 degrees C] = 24 +/- 4 min). Hyperthermic sensitivity varies as a function of extracellular Ca2+ concentration in a biphasic manner; optimum survival occurs at 1-5 mM Ca2+, with sensitization in the absence of Ca+ and increasing sensitization at Ca2+ concentrations greater than 10 mM. Ca influx does not correlate well with loss of viability for hepatocytes in 4 mM extracellular Ca2+; influx does not occur until viability decreases to less than 1%. Under sensitizing conditions, Ca2+ influx proceeds loss of viability. Influx begins within 15 min at 45 degrees C in 15 mM Ca2+, and the ionophore A23187 is a potent hyperthermic sensitizer in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Thus, Ca2+ influx, whether caused by high extracellular Ca2+ or A23187, increases cellular damage caused by supraoptimal temperatures, although some Ca2+ is necessary for maximum resistance, probably because of stabilization of Ca2+ binding proteins against thermal denaturation or possibly to Ca2+-induced decrease in lipid fluidity.

Selective gene expression in focal cerebral ischemia

Regional patterns of protein synthesis were examined in rat cortex made ischemic by the occlusion of the right common carotid and middle cerebral arteries. At 2 h of ischemia, proteins were pulse labeled with intracortical injections of a mixture of [3H]leucine, [3H]isoleucine, and [3H]proline. Newly synthesized proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional gel fluorography, and the results correlated with local CBF, measured with [14C]iodoantipyrine as tracer. Small blood flow reductions (CBF = 50-80 ml 100 g-1 min-1) were accompanied by a modest inhibition in synthesis of many proteins and a marked increase in one protein (Mr 27,000). With further reduction in blood flow (CBF = 40 ml 100 g-1 min-1), synthesis became limited to a small group of proteins (Mr 27,000, 34,000, 73,000, 79,000, and actin) including two new polypeptides (Mr 55,000 and 70,000). Severe ischemia (CBF = 15-25 ml 100 g-1 min-1) caused the isoelectric modification of several proteins (Mr 44,000, 55,000, and 70,000) and induced synthesis of another protein (Mr 40,000). Two polypeptides (Mr 27,000 and 70,000) dominated residual protein synthesis in severe ischemia. The changes in protein synthesis induced by different grades of ischemia most likely comprise a variation of the so-called "heat shock" or "stress" response found in all eukaryotic cells subjected to adverse conditions. Since heat shock genes are known to confer partial protection against anoxia and a variety of other noxious insults, their induction may be a factor in limiting the extent of ischemic tissue damage.

Large changes in intracellular pH and calcium observed during heat shock are not responsible for the induction of heat shock proteins in Drosophila melanogaster

Heat shock caused significant changes in intracellular pH (pHi) and intracellular free calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i) which occurred rapidly after temperature elevation. pHi fell from a resting level value at 25 degrees C of 7.38 +/- 0.02 (mean +/- standard error of the mean, n = 15) to 6.91 +/- 0.11 (n = 7) at 35 degrees C. The resting level value of [Ca2+]i in single Drosophila melanogaster larval salivary gland cells was 198 +/- 31 nM (n = 4). It increased approximately 10-fold, to 1,870 +/- 770 nM (n = 4), during a heat shock. When salivary glands were incubated in calcium-free, ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)-buffered medium, the resting level value of [Ca2+]i was reduced to 80 +/- 7 nM (n = 3), and heat shock resulted in a fourfold increase in [Ca2+]i to 353 +/- 90 nM (n = 3). The intracellular free-ion concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl-, and Mg2+ were 9.6 +/- 0.8, 101.9 +/- 1.7, 36 +/- 1.5, and 2.4 +/- 0.2 mM, respectively, and remained essentially unchanged during a heat shock. Procedures were devised to mimic or block the effects of heat shock on pHi and [Ca2+]i and to assess their role in the induction of heat shock proteins. We report here that the changes in [Ca2+]i and pHi which occur during heat shock are not sufficient, nor are they required, for a complete induction of the heat shock response.

Na+/K+ ATPase activity in mouse lung fibroblasts and HeLa S3 cells during and after hyperthermia

The ouabain-sensitive ATP-hydrolysing activity, representing the Na+/K+ ATPase capacity, of isolated membranes and whole cells during and after hyperthermia treatments was investigated. In isolated membranes no heat damage after treatments up to 46 degrees C during 45 min or up to 6 h at 44 degrees C could be detected. The ATP hydrolysing activity of Na+/K+ ATPase seems not to be impaired by direct heat attack in the range of commonly used hyperthermic temperatures (39-46 degrees C). Heat effects on the ATP hydrolysing activity of Na+/K+ ATPase of whole mouse fibroblasts could only be detected after heat doses (greater than 40 min at 44 degrees C) necessary to yield over 99 per cent dead cells. Potassium influx, measured with 86RB+ as the K+ tracer, was initially enhanced during incubation at 44 degrees C proportionally with the enhancement of the ATP-hydrolysing activity after raising the temperature. Replacement of non-lethally (10 min at 44 degrees C) and lethally (40 min at 44 degrees C) treated mouse fibroblasts to 37 degrees C showed complete reversibility of the enhanced activity at 44 degrees C to the control level at 37 degrees C. For comparison, the ATP-hydrolysing activity of Na+/K+ ATPase of HeLa S3 cells growing as monolayer was also tested. The activity after heat treatments up to 60 min at 44 degrees C was also found to be unchanged in these experiments. No indication of irreversible damage to the ATP-hydrolysing capacity of mouse fibroblasts and HeLa S3 cells, or K+ pumping activity of mouse fibroblasts by heat treatments up to 40 min at 44 degrees C was found.

Effect of external K+ on protein and DNA synthesis during and after heat shock in rat hepatoma cells

The effects of extracellular K+ concentrations on protein and DNA synthesis after non-lethal heat shock were studied in the hepatoma cell lines Reuber H35 and HTC. Elevation of the extracellular K+ concentration by equimolar replacement of Na+ by K+ in growth media of Reuber H35 and HTC cells caused an increase of the intracellular K+ content in both cell lines. This property was subsequently used to study the effect of elevated intracellular K+ concentrations on protein and DNA synthesis after hyperthermic treatment at 42 degrees C for 30 min. In normal K+ medium, protein and DNA synthesis were inhibited rapidly after the start of the hyperthermic treatment in both Reuber H35 and HTC cells. Increasing the external K+ concentration of the medium did not influence the inhibition and subsequent recovery of protein synthesis after heat shock in both cell lines. In contrast, in media with elevated K+ concentrations, DNA synthesis after heat-shock was inhibited less in Reuber H35 cells than in cells incubated in normal K+ medium and, furthermore, showed no inhibition in HTC cells. The protective effect of external K+ on DNA synthesis after heat shock was maximal between 50 and 70 mM in the temperature range 42-44 degrees C.

The effect of serum deprivation on the initiation of protein synthesis in mouse neuroblastoma cells

Growth of mouse neuroblastoma cells becomes stationary when cultured in serum-free medium. Within 60 h, the protein-synthesizing capacity of the cells declines to 25% as compared to that of exponentially growing cells. The transitional activity of the crude ribosomal salt washes from serum-deprived and control cells was compared in in vitro protein-synthesizing pH 5 systems. It appears that the ribosomal salt wash from serum-deprived cells has significantly (70%) lost its ability to support the translation of neuroblastoma poly(A)+ RNA. This activity of the ribosomal wash from serum-deprived cells can be restored to control level with rabbit reticulocyte initiation factor eIF-4B only. The ability of the ribosomal wash from serum-deprived cells to support the translation of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC) and Semliki Forest virus (SFV) 42 S mRNA was tested. We found that EMC-mRNA is efficiently translated with the ribosomal salt wash from serum-deprived cells, whereas on the other hand the translation of SFV 42 S mRNA is severely impaired. Therefore, we conclude that in serum-deprived neuroblastoma cells protein synthesis is regulated in both a quantitative and a qualitative way. Modulation of the activity of initiation factor of protein synthesis eIF-4B is at least partly responsible for the observed (selective) blockade of protein synthesis in serum-deprived cells.

Synthesis of heat-shock proteins in HeLa cells: inhibition by virus infection

Incubation of HeLa cells at supraoptimal temperatures induces the synthesis of a class of proteins known as heat-shock or stress-response proteins. After restoration of cells to physiological temperatures heat-shock protein synthesis continues for several hours. Normal cellular translation eventually recovers even if cells are treated with actinomycin D, indicating that neither normal cellular mRNAs nor components of the translation machinery are irreversibly modified by heat treatment. The synthesis of heat-shock proteins after poliovirus infection is more resistant to inhibition than normal host proteins. Nevertheless, their synthesis is also inhibited in infected cells, even in cells treated with human interferon under which conditions viral RNA replication and viral translation are blocked. Translation of heat-shock proteins is also resistant to hypertonic shock indicating that their mRNAs bind ribosomes with high affinity.

Effect of serum and growth factors on heat sensitivity in Swiss mouse 3T3 cells

Quiescent Swiss mouse 3T3 cells react to a heat treatment at 46 degrees C for 20 min by changing their flat, well-extended morphology to a round appearance with retracted cytoplasmic processes during the subsequent 2 h at 37 degrees C. The percentage of morphologically changed cells was used to quantify changes in heat sensitivity, or resistance, in response to mitogenic stimulation. Stimulating quiescent cells with serum or with the specific growth factors epidermal growth factor (EGF) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) markedly increased the heat resistance to a 46 degrees C treatment, but only when the heat treatment, but only when the heat treatment was applied within 2-3 h after the addition. When insulin (which is not mitogenic, but synergistic with EGF and PGF2 alpha in these cells) was added alone or in combination with either EGF or PGF2 alpha, it has no effect on the development of heat resistance. Neither did cycloheximide nor tunicamycin inhibit heat resistance induced by EGF, and cycloheximide even enhanced it after 2-4 h. However, adding colcemid before or at the beginning of the heat treatment abolished the increased heat resistance. The results indicate that the resistance to a single heat treatment at 46 degrees C may be related to changes in the metabolic state after mitogenic stimulation, even though these changes need not be reflected in the rate of entry into S phase. Furthermore, the cytoskeletal organization appears to be a crucial component in heat resistance of Swiss 3T3 cells.

Hyperthermia, Na+K+ATPase and lactic acid production in some human tumour cells

When HeLa cells are exposed to brief heat shock at 45 degrees C there is a reduction in the cellular level of Na+K+ATPase. Return of the cells to the normal growth temperature of 37 degrees C leads to a partial restoration of enzyme activity. The pattern of this recovery of activity suggests that it may be associated with the induction of heat shock proteins. Indeed other means of heat shock protein induction such as continuous heat treatment at 42 degrees C, or treatment of cells at 37 degrees C with sodium arsenite, leads to elevated levels of Na+K+ATPase activity and alterations in the kinetic properties of the enzyme. Continuous hyperthermia at 42 degrees C led to increased lactate production which could be blocked with ouabain suggesting that effects on Na+K+ATPase activity could partly influence glycolysis. A number of other human and hamster cells also showed increased lactate production at 42 degrees C and also an inhibition of lactate production by ouabain. Whilst incubation of HeLa cells with cyanide had little effect on glycolysis at 37 degrees C elevation of the temperature to 42 degrees C (or 45 degrees C), in the presence of cyanide, impaired glycolysis. The possible role in this phenomenon, of an unusual oxygen-sensitive isoenzyme of lactate dehydrogenase, expressed in human cancers, is discussed.