Transmembrane Signal Modulation by Hyperthermia

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston MA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We aim to study cell signaling during hyperthermia. We will, therefore, examine how heat stress regulates heat shock protein (HSP) activation. These studies are significant in cancer as HSP expression leads to hyperthermia resistance (thermotolerance). In addition, they are of relevance within a broader context as HSPs protect cells and tissues against degenerative diseases, and declines in HSP expression correlate with the onset of aging. It is thus desirable to understand the regulation of the heat shock response. Our hypothesis is that hyperthermia and pro-degenerative stresses trigger HSP expression through perturbation of mRNA translation in cells. This alteration in cell physiology then leads to activation of factors that can induce HSPs (heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) and MLL1/trithorax) through binding to RNA and phosphorylation by the protein kinase mTOR. We aim to trace this novel pathway leading from the initial effects of hyperthermia on translation, transmitted to HSF1 through phosphorylation (by the protein kinases PKA and mTOR), leading to facilitated migration of transcription factors to HSP promoters embedded in chromatin and mediation of gene activation. We have proposed the hypothesis that HSF1 and MLL1/trithorax activated by this signaling network then recruit histone modifying enzymes (histone acetylases and histone methyltransferases) to heat shock genes and activate the program of HSP synthesis that underlies cellular homeostasis during hyperthermia.