Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.8
5.6
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Molecular Chaperones
ijms-logo
Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Molecular Chaperones

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2018) | Viewed by 149297

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hideaki Itoh

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Science, Graduate School and Faculty of Engineering and Resource Science, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan
Interests: hsp60; eurodegeneration microglia innate immunity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Homeostasis is essential for maintaining the cell functions. For that purpose, proteins must fold to their native state in order to achieve functionality. Many members of the heat shock proteins (HSPs) perform chaperone functions by stabilizing new proteins to ensure correct folding or by helping to refold proteins that were damaged by the cell stress. Molecular chaperones belong to the family of conservative proteins with a high homology of the primary structure in both prokaryote and eukaryote. HSPs are often classified according to their molecular weight and members include HSP90, HSP70, HSP60, and the small HSPs. Molecular chaperones have large functional diversity. Their fundamental roles include in de novo folding, and the refolding of misfolded protein. Chaperones also regulate critical cellular processes, such as protein trafficking, protein degradation, protein complex assembly, and regulate functional proteins, such steroid hormone receptor. The uniqueness of molecular chaperones results from their ability to interact with a very large number of different proteins, called clients. HSPs provide protection from cellular and environmental stress factors as molecular chaperones to keep protein homeostasis. The Special Issue aims at including original research papers and outstanding reviews that shows the role of molecular chaperones in the functionality of homeostasis in the cell.

Prof. Dr. Hideaki Itoh
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • molecular chaperone
  • heat shock protein (HSPs)
  • HSP90, HSP70, HSP60
  • de novo folding
  • misfolded protein
  • protein trafficking
  • protein degradation
  • protein complex assembly
  • homeostasis

Published Papers (20 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 1594 KiB  
Article
Hsp90 Stabilizes SIRT1 Orthologs in Mammalian Cells and C. elegans
by Minh Tu Nguyen, Milán Somogyvári and Csaba Sőti
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(11), 3661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19113661 - 20 Nov 2018
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3939
Abstract
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) othologs are ubiquitous NAD+-dependent deacetylases that act as nutrient sensors and modulate metabolism and stress responses in diverse organisms. Both mammalian SIRT1 and Caenorhabditis elegans SIR-2.1 have been implicated in dietary restriction, longevity, and healthspan. Hsp90 is an [...] Read more.
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) othologs are ubiquitous NAD+-dependent deacetylases that act as nutrient sensors and modulate metabolism and stress responses in diverse organisms. Both mammalian SIRT1 and Caenorhabditis elegans SIR-2.1 have been implicated in dietary restriction, longevity, and healthspan. Hsp90 is an evolutionarily conserved molecular chaperone that stabilizes a plethora of signaling ’client’ proteins and regulates fundamental biological processes. Here we report that Hsp90 is required for conformational stabilization of SIRT1 and SIR-2.1. We find that inhibition of Hsp90 by geldanamycin (GA) induces the depletion of mammalian SIRT1 protein in a concentration and time dependent manner in COS-7 and HepG2 cells. In contrast to SIRT1, SIRT2 level remains unchanged by GA treatment, reflecting a specific Hsp90 SIRT1 interaction. Hsp90 inhibition leads to the destabilization and proteasomal degradation of SIRT1. Moreover, we observe a GA-sensitive physical interaction between SIRT1 and Hsp90 by immunoprecipitation. We also demonstrate that hsp-90 gene silencing also induces SIR-2.1 protein depletion and proteasomal degradation in C. elegans. Our findings identify metazoan SIRT1 orthologs as Hsp90 clients and reveal a novel crosstalk between the proteostasis and nutrient signaling networks, which may have implications in various age related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 4956 KiB  
Article
Ero1-Mediated Reoxidation of Protein Disulfide Isomerase Accelerates the Folding of Cone Snail Toxins
by Henrik O’Brien, Shingo Kanemura, Masaki Okumura, Robert P. Baskin, Pradip K. Bandyopadhyay, Baldomero M. Olivera, Lars Ellgaard, Kenji Inaba and Helena Safavi-Hemami
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(11), 3418; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19113418 - 31 Oct 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4692
Abstract
Disulfide-rich peptides are highly abundant in nature and their study has provided fascinating insight into protein folding, structure and function. Venomous cone snails belong to a group of organisms that express one of the largest sets of disulfide-rich peptides (conotoxins) found in nature. [...] Read more.
Disulfide-rich peptides are highly abundant in nature and their study has provided fascinating insight into protein folding, structure and function. Venomous cone snails belong to a group of organisms that express one of the largest sets of disulfide-rich peptides (conotoxins) found in nature. The diversity of structural scaffolds found for conotoxins suggests that specialized molecular adaptations have evolved to ensure their efficient folding and secretion. We recently showed that canonical protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and a conotoxin-specific PDI (csPDI) are ubiquitously expressed in the venom gland of cone snails and play a major role in conotoxin folding. Here, we identify cone snail endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin-1 (Conus Ero1) and investigate its role in the oxidative folding of conotoxins through reoxidation of cone snail PDI and csPDI. We show that Conus Ero1 preferentially reoxidizes PDI over csPDI, suggesting that the reoxidation of csPDI may rely on an Ero1-independent molecular pathway. Despite the preferential reoxidation of PDI over csPDI, the combinatorial effect of Ero1 and csPDI provides higher folding yields than Ero1 and PDI. We further demonstrate that the highest in vitro folding rates of two model conotoxins are achieved when all three enzymes are present, indicating that these enzymes may act synergistically. Our findings provide new insight into the generation of one of the most diverse classes of disulfide-rich peptides and may improve current in vitro approaches for the production of venom peptides for pharmacological studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2537 KiB  
Article
Etoposide-Induced Apoptosis in Cancer Cells Can Be Reinforced by an Uncoupled Link between Hsp70 and Caspase-3
by Dmitry V. Sverchinsky, Alina D. Nikotina, Elena Y. Komarova, Elena R. Mikhaylova, Nikolay D. Aksenov, Vladimir F. Lazarev, Vladimir A. Mitkevich, Roman Suezov, Dmitry S. Druzhilovskiy, Vladimir V. Poroikov, Boris A. Margulis and Irina V. Guzhova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(9), 2519; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19092519 - 25 Aug 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7453
Abstract
The Hsp70 chaperone binds and inhibits proteins implicated in apoptotic signaling including Caspase-3. Induction of apoptosis is an important mechanism of anti-cancer drugs, therefore Hsp70 can act as a protective system in tumor cells against therapeutic agents. In this study we present an [...] Read more.
The Hsp70 chaperone binds and inhibits proteins implicated in apoptotic signaling including Caspase-3. Induction of apoptosis is an important mechanism of anti-cancer drugs, therefore Hsp70 can act as a protective system in tumor cells against therapeutic agents. In this study we present an assessment of candidate compounds that are able to dissociate the complex of Hsp70 with Caspase-3, and thus sensitize cells to drug-induced apoptosis. Using the PASS program for prediction of biological activity we selected a derivative of benzodioxol (BT44) that is known to affect molecular chaperones and caspases. Drug affinity responsive target stability and microscale thermophoresis assays indicated that BT44 bound to Hsp70 and reduced the chaperone activity. When etoposide was administered, heat shock accompanied with an accumulation of Hsp70 led to an inhibition of etoposide-induced apoptosis. The number of apoptotic cells increased following BT44 administration, and forced Caspase-3 processing. Competitive protein–protein interaction and immunoprecipitation assays showed that BT44 caused dissociation of the Hsp70–Caspase-3 complex, thus augmenting the anti-tumor activity of etoposide and highlighting the potential role of molecular separators in cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2546 KiB  
Article
Expression, Functional Characterization, and Preliminary Crystallization of the Cochaperone Prefoldin from the Thermophilic Fungus Chaetomium thermophilum
by Kento Morita, Yohei Y. Yamamoto, Ayaka Hori, Tomohiro Obata, Yuko Uno, Kyosuke Shinohara, Keiichi Noguchi, Kentaro Noi, Teru Ogura, Kentaro Ishii, Koichi Kato, Mahito Kikumoto, Rocio Arranz, Jose M. Valpuesta and Masafumi Yohda
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(8), 2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19082452 - 19 Aug 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4838
Abstract
Prefoldin is a hexameric molecular chaperone found in the cytosol of archaea and eukaryotes. Its hexameric complex is built from two related classes of subunits, and has the appearance of a jellyfish: Its body consists of a double β-barrel assembly with six long [...] Read more.
Prefoldin is a hexameric molecular chaperone found in the cytosol of archaea and eukaryotes. Its hexameric complex is built from two related classes of subunits, and has the appearance of a jellyfish: Its body consists of a double β-barrel assembly with six long tentacle-like coiled coils protruding from it. Using the tentacles, prefoldin captures an unfolded protein substrate and transfers it to a group II chaperonin. Based on structural information from archaeal prefoldins, mechanisms of substrate recognition and prefoldin-chaperonin cooperation have been investigated. In contrast, the structure and mechanisms of eukaryotic prefoldins remain unknown. In this study, we succeeded in obtaining recombinant prefoldin from a thermophilic fungus, Chaetomium thermophilum (CtPFD). The recombinant CtPFD could not protect citrate synthase from thermal aggregation. However, CtPFD formed a complex with actin from chicken muscle and tubulin from porcine brain, suggesting substrate specificity. We succeeded in observing the complex formation of CtPFD and the group II chaperonin of C. thermophilum (CtCCT) by atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy. These interaction kinetics were analyzed by surface plasmon resonance using Biacore. Finally, we have shown the transfer of actin from CtPFD to CtCCT. The study of the folding pathway formed by CtPFD and CtCCT should provide important information on mechanisms of the eukaryotic prefoldin–chaperonin system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 4978 KiB  
Article
The Role of the Arginine in the Conserved N-Terminal Domain RLFDQxFG Motif of Human Small Heat Shock Proteins HspB1, HspB4, HspB5, HspB6, and HspB8
by Vladislav M. Shatov, Stephen D. Weeks, Sergei V. Strelkov and Nikolai B. Gusev
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(7), 2112; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19072112 - 20 Jul 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4052
Abstract
Although the N-terminal domain of vertebrate small heat shock proteins (sHsp) is poorly conserved, it contains a core motif preserved in many members of the sHsp family. The role of this RLFDQxFG motif remains elusive. We analyzed the specific role of the first [...] Read more.
Although the N-terminal domain of vertebrate small heat shock proteins (sHsp) is poorly conserved, it contains a core motif preserved in many members of the sHsp family. The role of this RLFDQxFG motif remains elusive. We analyzed the specific role of the first arginine residue of this conserved octet sequence in five human sHsps (HspB1, HspB4, HspB5, HspB6, and HspB8). Substitution of this arginine with an alanine induced changes in thermal stability and/or intrinsic fluorescence of the related HspB1 and HspB8, but yielded only modest changes in the same biophysical properties of HspB4, HspB5, and HspB6 which together belong to another clade of vertebrate sHsps. Removal of the positively charged Arg side chain resulted in destabilization of the large oligomers of HspB1 and formation of smaller size oligomers of HspB5. The mutation induced only minor changes in the structure of HspB4 and HspB6. In contrast, the mutation in HspB8 was accompanied by shifting the equilibrium from dimers towards the formation of larger oligomers. We conclude that the RLFDQxFG motif plays distinct roles in the structure of several sHsp orthologs. This role correlates with the evolutionary relationship of the respective sHsps, but ultimately, it reflects the sequence context of this motif. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 1611 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Identification of Putative Protein Substrates of the AAA+ Molecular Chaperone ClpB from the Pathogenic Spirochaete Leptospira interrogans
by Joanna Krajewska, Zbigniew Arent, Michal Zolkiewski and Sabina Kędzierska-Mieszkowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(4), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19041234 - 18 Apr 2018
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5010
Abstract
Bacterial ClpB is an ATP-dependent Hsp100 chaperone that reactivates aggregated proteins in cooperation with the DnaK chaperone system and promotes survival of bacteria under stress conditions. A large number of publications also indicate that ClpB supports the virulence of bacteria, including a pathogenic [...] Read more.
Bacterial ClpB is an ATP-dependent Hsp100 chaperone that reactivates aggregated proteins in cooperation with the DnaK chaperone system and promotes survival of bacteria under stress conditions. A large number of publications also indicate that ClpB supports the virulence of bacteria, including a pathogenic spirochaete Leptospira interrogans responsible for leptospirosis in both animals and humans. However, the exact role of ClpB in bacterial pathogenicity remains poorly characterized. It can be assumed that ClpB, due to its role as the molecular chaperone, mediates refolding of essential bacterial proteins, including the known virulence factors, which may become prone to aggregation under infection-induced stresses. In this study, we identified putative substrates of ClpB from L. interrogans (ClpBLi). For this purpose, we used a proteomic approach combining the ClpB-Trap affinity pull-down assays, Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS/MS), and bioinformatics analyses. Most of the identified proteins were enzymes predominantly associated with major metabolic pathways like the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis–gluconeogenesis and amino acid and fatty acid metabolism. Based on our proteomic study, we suggest that ClpB can support the virulence of L. interrogans by protecting the conformational integrity and catalytic activity of multiple metabolic enzymes, thus maintaining energy homeostasis in pathogen cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 16954 KiB  
Article
Time-Resolved Measurement of the ATP-Dependent Motion of the Group II Chaperonin by Diffracted Electron Tracking
by Naoki Ogawa, Yohei Y. Yamamoto, Keisuke Abe, Hiroshi Sekiguchi, Yuji C. Sasaki, Akira Ishikawa, Judith Frydman and Masafumi Yohda
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(4), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19040950 - 22 Mar 2018
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3693
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated the ATP-dependent dynamics of a group II chaperonin at the single-molecule level by diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT). The disadvantage of DXT is that it requires a strong X-ray source and also perfect gold nano-crystals. To resolve this problem, we developed [...] Read more.
Previously, we demonstrated the ATP-dependent dynamics of a group II chaperonin at the single-molecule level by diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT). The disadvantage of DXT is that it requires a strong X-ray source and also perfect gold nano-crystals. To resolve this problem, we developed diffracted electron tracking (DET). Electron beams have scattering cross-sections that are approximately 1000 times larger than those of X-rays. Thus, DET enables us to perform super-accurate measurements of the time-resolved 3D motion of proteins labeled with commercially available gold nanorods using a scanning electron microscope. In this study, we compared DXT and DET using the group II chaperonin from Methanococcus maripaludis (MmCpn) as a model protein. In DET, the samples are prepared in an environmental cell (EC). To reduce the electron beam-induced protein damage, we immobilized MmCpn on the bottom of the EC to expose gold nanorods close to the carbon thin film. The sample setup worked well, and the motions of gold nanorods were clearly traced. Compared with the results of DXT, the mobility in DET was significantly higher, which is probably due to the difference in the method for immobilization. In DET, MmCpn was immobilized on a film of triacetyl cellulose. Whereas proteins are directly attached on the surface of solid support in DXT. Therefore, MmCpn could move relatively freely in DET. DET will be a state-of-the-art technology for analyzing protein dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1148 KiB  
Article
Targeting Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg Cells with an Inhibitor of Heat-Shock Protein 90: Molecular Pathways of Response and Potential Mechanisms of Resistance
by Priscilla Segges, Stephany Corrêa, Bárbara Du Rocher, Gabriela Vera-Lozada, Flavia Krsticevic, Debora Arce, Cinthya Sternberg, Eliana Abdelhay and Rocio Hassan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(3), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030836 - 13 Mar 2018
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3178
Abstract
Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) cells overexpress heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90), an important intracellular signaling hub regulating cell survival, which is emerging as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we report the antitumor effect of celastrol, an anti-inflammatory compound and a recognized HSP90 inhibitor, in [...] Read more.
Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) cells overexpress heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90), an important intracellular signaling hub regulating cell survival, which is emerging as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we report the antitumor effect of celastrol, an anti-inflammatory compound and a recognized HSP90 inhibitor, in Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cell lines. Two disparate responses were recorded. In KM-H2 cells, celastrol inhibited cell proliferation, induced G0/G1 arrest, and triggered apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3/7. Conversely, L428 cells exhibited resistance to the compound. A proteomic screening identified a total of 262 differentially expressed proteins in sensitive KM-H2 cells and revealed that celastrol’s toxicity involved the suppression of the MAPK/ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase) pathway. The apoptotic effects were preceded by a decrease in RAS (proto-oncogene protein Ras), p-ERK1/2 (phospho-extracellular signal-regulated Kinase-1/2), and c-Fos (proto-oncogene protein c-Fos) protein levels, as validated by immunoblot analysis. The L428 resistant cells exhibited a marked induction of HSP27 mRNA and protein after celastrol treatment. Our results provide the first evidence that celastrol has antitumor effects in cHL cells through the suppression of the MAPK/ERK pathway. Resistance to celastrol has rarely been described, and our results suggest that in cHL it may be mediated by the upregulation of HSP27. The antitumor properties of celastrol against cHL and whether the disparate responses observed in vitro have clinical correlates deserve further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3706 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical Properties of the Mammalian Molecular Chaperone HSP60
by Ryuichi Ishida, Tomoya Okamoto, Fumihiro Motojima, Hiroshi Kubota, Hiroki Takahashi, Masako Tanabe, Toshihiko Oka, Akira Kitamura, Masataka Kinjo, Masasuke Yoshida, Michiro Otaka, Ewa Grave and Hideaki Itoh
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(2), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19020489 - 06 Feb 2018
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7509
Abstract
The E. coli GroEL/GroES chaperonin complex acts as a folding cage by producing a bullet-like asymmetric complex, and GroEL exists as double rings regardless of the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Its mammalian chaperonin homolog, heat shock protein, HSP60, and co-chaperonin, HSP10, play [...] Read more.
The E. coli GroEL/GroES chaperonin complex acts as a folding cage by producing a bullet-like asymmetric complex, and GroEL exists as double rings regardless of the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Its mammalian chaperonin homolog, heat shock protein, HSP60, and co-chaperonin, HSP10, play an essential role in protein folding by capturing unfolded proteins in the HSP60/HSP10 complex. However, the structural transition in ATPase-dependent reaction cycle has remained unclear. We found nucleotide-dependent association and dissociation of the HSP60/HSP10 complex using various analytical techniques under near physiological conditions. Our results showed that HSP60 exist as a significant number of double-ring complexes (football- and bullet-type complexes) and a small number of single-ring complexes in the presence of ATP and HSP10. HSP10 binds to HSP60 in the presence of ATP, which increased the HSP60 double-ring formation. After ATP is hydrolyzed to Adenosine diphosphate (ADP), HSP60 released the HSP10 and the dissociation of the double-ring to single-rings occurred. These results indicated that HSP60/HSP10 undergoes an ATP-dependent transition between the single- and double-rings in their system that is highly distinctive from the GroEL/GroES system particularly in the manner of complex formation and the roles of ATP binding and hydrolysis in the reaction cycle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

3703 KiB  
Article
RNA Chaperone Function of a Universal Stress Protein in Arabidopsis Confers Enhanced Cold Stress Tolerance in Plants
by Sarah Mae Boyles Melencion, Yong Hun Chi, Thuy Thi Pham, Seol Ki Paeng, Seong Dong Wi, Changyu Lee, Seoung Woo Ryu, Sung Sun Koo and Sang Yeol Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(12), 2546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18122546 - 27 Nov 2017
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 6240
Abstract
The physiological function of Arabidopsis thaliana universal stress protein (AtUSP) in plant has remained unclear. Thus, we report here the functional role of the Arabidopsis universal stress protein, AtUSP (At3g53990). To determine how AtUSP affects physiological responses towards cold stress, AtUSP overexpression (AtUSP [...] Read more.
The physiological function of Arabidopsis thaliana universal stress protein (AtUSP) in plant has remained unclear. Thus, we report here the functional role of the Arabidopsis universal stress protein, AtUSP (At3g53990). To determine how AtUSP affects physiological responses towards cold stress, AtUSP overexpression (AtUSP OE) and T-DNA insertion knock-out (atusp, SALK_146059) mutant lines were used. The results indicated that AtUSP OE enhanced plant tolerance to cold stress, whereas atusp did not. AtUSP is localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and cold stress significantly affects RNA metabolism such as by misfolding and secondary structure changes of RNA. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of AtUSP with RNA metabolism. We found that AtUSP can bind nucleic acids, including single- and double-stranded DNA and luciferase mRNA. AtUSP also displayed strong nucleic acid-melting activity. We expressed AtUSP in RL211 Escherichia coli, which contains a hairpin-loop RNA structure upstream of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), and observed that AtUSP exhibited anti-termination activity that enabled CAT gene expression. AtUSP expression in the cold-sensitive Escherichia coli (E. coli) mutant BX04 complemented the cold sensitivity of the mutant cells. As these properties are typical characteristics of RNA chaperones, we conclude that AtUSP functions as a RNA chaperone under cold-shock conditions. Thus, the enhanced tolerance of AtUSP OE lines to cold stress is mediated by the RNA chaperone function of AtUSP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

2534 KiB  
Article
Hsp90α Mediates BMI1 Expression in Breast Cancer Stem/Progenitor Cells through Facilitating Nuclear Translocation of c-Myc and EZH2
by Yueh-Chun Lee, Wen-Wei Chang, Yi-Ying Chen, Yu-Hung Tsai, Ying-Hsiang Chou, Hsien-Chun Tseng, Hsin-Lin Chen, Chun-Chieh Wu, Ju Chang-Chien, Hsueh-Te Lee, Huei-Fan Yang and Bing-Yen Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(9), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091986 - 15 Sep 2017
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6344
Abstract
Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that facilitates the correct folding and functionality of its client protein. Numerous Hsp90-client proteins are involved in cancer development. Thus, Hsp90 inhibitors have potential applications as anti-cancer drugs. We previously discovered that Hsp90α expression [...] Read more.
Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that facilitates the correct folding and functionality of its client protein. Numerous Hsp90-client proteins are involved in cancer development. Thus, Hsp90 inhibitors have potential applications as anti-cancer drugs. We previously discovered that Hsp90α expression increased in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which can initiate tumorigenesis and metastasis and resist treatment. In the present study, we further demonstrated that 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG), an inhibitor of Hsp90, could suppress the self-renewal of BCSCs by downregulating B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI1), a polycomb family member with oncogenic activity in breast cancer. Through immunoprecipitation analysis, we found that BMI1 did not interact with Hsp90α and that the downregulation of BMI1 by 17-DMAG was mediated by the inhibition of c-Myc and enhancement of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression. The transcriptional and BMI1 promoter-binding activities of c-Myc in BCSCs were inhibited by 17-DMAG treatment. The overexpression of EZH2 attenuated the inhibitory effect of 17-DMAG on BMI1 and c-Myc expression. Furthermore, Hsp90α could be co-immunoprecipitated with c-Myc and EZH2 and bind to the BMI1 promoter. Treatment with 17-DMAG decreased the nuclear expression of EZH2 and c-Myc but not that of Hsp90α. In conclusion, our data suggested that Hsp90α could positively regulate the self-renewal of BCSCs by facilitating the nuclear translocation of c-Myc and EZH2 to maintain BMI1 expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 5935 KiB  
Review
Developmental Expression and Functions of the Small Heat Shock Proteins in Drosophila
by Teresa Jagla, Magda Dubińska-Magiera, Preethi Poovathumkadavil, Małgorzata Daczewska and Krzysztof Jagla
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(11), 3441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19113441 - 02 Nov 2018
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5255
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (Hsps) form a large family of evolutionarily conserved molecular chaperones that help balance protein folding and protect cells from various stress conditions. However, there is growing evidence that Hsps may also play an active role in developmental processes. Here, we [...] Read more.
Heat shock proteins (Hsps) form a large family of evolutionarily conserved molecular chaperones that help balance protein folding and protect cells from various stress conditions. However, there is growing evidence that Hsps may also play an active role in developmental processes. Here, we take the example of developmental expression and function of one class of Hsps characterized by low molecular weight, the small Hsps (sHsps). We discuss recent reports and genome-wide datasets that support vital sHsps functions in the developing nervous system, reproductive system, and muscles. This tissue- and time-specific sHsp expression is developmentally regulated, so that the enhancer sequence of an sHsp gene expressed in developing muscle, in addition to stress-inducible elements, also carries binding sites for myogenic regulatory factors. One possible reason for sHsp genes to switch on during development and in non-stress conditions is to protect vital developing organs from environmental insults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1036 KiB  
Review
Heat Shock Proteins as a Potential Therapeutic Target in the Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: What We Know so Far
by Katarzyna E. Skórzyńska-Dziduszko, Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar, Jolanta Patro-Małysza, Agnieszka Stenzel-Bembenek, Jan Oleszczuk and Bożena Leszczyńska-Gorzelak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(10), 3205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19103205 - 17 Oct 2018
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4530
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complex condition that involves a variety of pathological mechanisms, including pancreatic β-cell failure, insulin resistance, and inflammation. There is an increasing body of literature suggesting that these interrelated phenomena may arise from the common mechanism of endoplasmic [...] Read more.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complex condition that involves a variety of pathological mechanisms, including pancreatic β-cell failure, insulin resistance, and inflammation. There is an increasing body of literature suggesting that these interrelated phenomena may arise from the common mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Both obesity-associated nutrient excess and hyperglycemia disturb ER function in protein folding and transport. This results in the accumulation of polypeptides in the ER lumen and impairs insulin secretion and signaling. Exercise elicits metabolic adaptive responses, which may help to restore normal chaperone expression in insulin-resistant tissues. Pharmacological induction of chaperones, mimicking the metabolic effect of exercise, is a promising therapeutic tool for preventing GDM by maintaining the body’s natural stress response. Metformin, a commonly used diabetes medication, has recently been identified as a modulator of ER-stress-associated inflammation. The results of recent studies suggest the potential use of chemical ER chaperones and antioxidant vitamins as therapeutic interventions that can prevent glucose-induced ER stress in GDM placentas. In this review, we discuss whether chaperones may significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of GDM, as well as whether they can be a potential therapeutic target in GDM treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 4907 KiB  
Review
Heat Shock Proteins in Alzheimer’s Disease: Role and Targeting
by Claudia Campanella, Andrea Pace, Celeste Caruso Bavisotto, Paola Marzullo, Antonella Marino Gammazza, Silvestre Buscemi and Antonio Palumbo Piccionello
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(9), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19092603 - 01 Sep 2018
Cited by 97 | Viewed by 9346
Abstract
Among diseases whose cure is still far from being discovered, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been recognized as a crucial medical and social problem. A major issue in AD research is represented by the complexity of involved biochemical pathways, including the nature of protein [...] Read more.
Among diseases whose cure is still far from being discovered, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been recognized as a crucial medical and social problem. A major issue in AD research is represented by the complexity of involved biochemical pathways, including the nature of protein misfolding, which results in the production of toxic species. Considering the involvement of (mis)folding processes in AD aetiology, targeting molecular chaperones represents a promising therapeutic perspective. This review analyses the connection between AD and molecular chaperones, with particular attention toward the most important heat shock proteins (HSPs) as representative components of the human chaperome: Hsp60, Hsp70 and Hsp90. The role of these proteins in AD is highlighted from a biological point of view. Pharmacological targeting of such HSPs with inhibitors or regulators is also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

33 pages, 1244 KiB  
Review
The HSP90 Family: Structure, Regulation, Function, and Implications in Health and Disease
by Abdullah Hoter, Marwan E. El-Sabban and Hassan Y. Naim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(9), 2560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19092560 - 29 Aug 2018
Cited by 342 | Viewed by 19202
Abstract
The mammalian HSP90 family of proteins is a cluster of highly conserved molecules that are involved in myriad cellular processes. Their distribution in various cellular compartments underlines their essential roles in cellular homeostasis. HSP90 and its co-chaperones orchestrate crucial physiological processes such as [...] Read more.
The mammalian HSP90 family of proteins is a cluster of highly conserved molecules that are involved in myriad cellular processes. Their distribution in various cellular compartments underlines their essential roles in cellular homeostasis. HSP90 and its co-chaperones orchestrate crucial physiological processes such as cell survival, cell cycle control, hormone signaling, and apoptosis. Conversely, HSP90, and its secreted forms, contribute to the development and progress of serious pathologies, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, targeting HSP90 is an attractive strategy for the treatment of neoplasms and other diseases. This manuscript will review the general structure, regulation and function of HSP90 family and their potential role in pathophysiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 770 KiB  
Review
The Interplay between Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 (GRP78) and Steroids in the Reproductive System
by Marylise Hebert-Schuster, Belinda Elisabeth Rotta, Brenna Kirkpatrick, Jean Guibourdenche and Marie Cohen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(7), 1842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071842 - 22 Jun 2018
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6001
Abstract
The glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a molecular chaperone that is responsible for protein folding, which belongs to the heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSPA/HSP70). Because of the conjunction of GRP78 transcription with endoplasmic reticulum stress, the chaperone plays an important role in [...] Read more.
The glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a molecular chaperone that is responsible for protein folding, which belongs to the heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSPA/HSP70). Because of the conjunction of GRP78 transcription with endoplasmic reticulum stress, the chaperone plays an important role in the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is induced after the accumulation of misfolded proteins. In the last years, a significant body of research concentrated on interplay between GRP78 and sexual steroid hormones. Throughout this review, we describe the mechanisms by which GRP78 regulates steroidogenesis at multiple levels and how steroids modulate GRP78 expression in different mammalian reproductive organs. Finally, we discuss the cooperation between GRP78 and steroids for cell survival and proliferation in the context of reproduction and tumorigenesis. This new paradigm offers significant opportunities for future exploration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

6670 KiB  
Review
Chaperones and the Proteasome System: Regulating the Construction and Demolition of Striated Muscle
by Casey Carlisle, Kendal Prill and Dave Pilgrim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010032 - 22 Dec 2017
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 9100
Abstract
Protein folding factors (chaperones) are required for many diverse cellular functions. In striated muscle, chaperones are required for contractile protein function, as well as the larger scale assembly of the basic unit of muscle, the sarcomere. The sarcomere is complex and composed of [...] Read more.
Protein folding factors (chaperones) are required for many diverse cellular functions. In striated muscle, chaperones are required for contractile protein function, as well as the larger scale assembly of the basic unit of muscle, the sarcomere. The sarcomere is complex and composed of hundreds of proteins and the number of proteins and processes recognized to be regulated by chaperones has increased dramatically over the past decade. Research in the past ten years has begun to discover and characterize the chaperones involved in the assembly of the sarcomere at a rapid rate. Because of the dynamic nature of muscle, wear and tear damage is inevitable. Several systems, including chaperones and the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), have evolved to regulate protein turnover. Much of our knowledge of muscle development focuses on the formation of the sarcomere but recent work has begun to elucidate the requirement and role of chaperones and the UPS in sarcomere maintenance and disease. This review will cover the roles of chaperones in sarcomere assembly, the importance of chaperone homeostasis and the cooperation of chaperones and the UPS in sarcomere integrity and disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

1846 KiB  
Review
Heat Shock Proteins in Vascular Diabetic Complications: Review and Future Perspective
by Stefania Bellini, Federica Barutta, Raffaella Mastrocola, Luigi Imperatore, Graziella Bruno and Gabriella Gruden
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(12), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18122709 - 14 Dec 2017
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6830
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a large family of proteins highly conserved throughout evolution because of their unique cytoprotective properties. Besides assisting protein refolding and regulating proteostasis under stressful conditions, HSPs also play an important role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, inflammation, [...] Read more.
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a large family of proteins highly conserved throughout evolution because of their unique cytoprotective properties. Besides assisting protein refolding and regulating proteostasis under stressful conditions, HSPs also play an important role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, HSPs are crucial in counteracting the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia in target organs of diabetes vascular complications. Changes in HSP expression have been demonstrated in diabetic complications and functionally related to hyperglycemia-induced cell injury. Moreover, associations between diabetic complications and altered circulating levels of both HSPs and anti-HSPs have been shown in clinical studies. HSPs thus represent an exciting therapeutic opportunity and might also be valuable as clinical biomarkers. However, this field of research is still in its infancy and further studies in both experimental diabetes and humans are required to gain a full understanding of HSP relevance. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and discuss future perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

1221 KiB  
Review
Relax, Cool Down and Scaffold: How to Restore Surface Expression of Folding-Deficient Mutant GPCRs and SLC6 Transporters
by H.M. Mazhar Asjad, Shahrooz Nasrollahi-Shirazi, Sonja Sucic, Michael Freissmuth and Christian Nanoff
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(11), 2416; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112416 - 14 Nov 2017
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4201
Abstract
Many diseases arise from mutations, which impair protein folding. The study of folding-deficient variants of G protein-coupled receptors and solute carrier 6 (SLC6) transporters has shed light on the folding trajectory, how it is monitored and how misfolding can be remedied. Reducing the [...] Read more.
Many diseases arise from mutations, which impair protein folding. The study of folding-deficient variants of G protein-coupled receptors and solute carrier 6 (SLC6) transporters has shed light on the folding trajectory, how it is monitored and how misfolding can be remedied. Reducing the temperature lowers the energy barrier between folding intermediates and thereby eliminates stalling along the folding trajectory. For obvious reasons, cooling down is not a therapeutic option. One approach to rescue misfolded variants is to use membrane-permeable orthosteric ligands. Antagonists of GPCRs are—in many instances—effective pharmacochaperones: they restore cell surface expression provided that they enter cells and bind to folding intermediates. Pharmacochaperoning of SLC6 transporters is less readily achieved because the ionic conditions in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are not conducive to binding of typical inhibitors. The second approach is to target the heat-shock protein (HSP) relay, which monitors the folding trajectory on the cytosolic side. Importantly, orthosteric ligands and HSP-inhibitors are not mutually exclusive. In fact, pharmacochaperones and HSP-inhibitors can act in an additive or synergistic manner. This was exemplified by rescuing disease-causing, folding-deficient variants of the human dopamine transporters with the HSP70 inhibitor pifithrin-μ and the pharmacochaperone noribogaine in Drosophila melanogaster. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

5603 KiB  
Review
Targeting Heat Shock Proteins in Cancer: A Promising Therapeutic Approach
by Suman Chatterjee and Timothy F. Burns
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(9), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091978 - 15 Sep 2017
Cited by 354 | Viewed by 25934
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a large family of chaperones that are involved in protein folding and maturation of a variety of “client” proteins protecting them from degradation, oxidative stress, hypoxia, and thermal stress. Hence, they are significant regulators of cellular proliferation, differentiation [...] Read more.
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a large family of chaperones that are involved in protein folding and maturation of a variety of “client” proteins protecting them from degradation, oxidative stress, hypoxia, and thermal stress. Hence, they are significant regulators of cellular proliferation, differentiation and strongly implicated in the molecular orchestration of cancer development and progression as many of their clients are well established oncoproteins in multiple tumor types. Interestingly, tumor cells are more HSP chaperonage-dependent than normal cells for proliferation and survival because the oncoproteins in cancer cells are often misfolded and require augmented chaperonage activity for correction. This led to the development of several inhibitors of HSP90 and other HSPs that have shown promise both preclinically and clinically in the treatment of cancer. In this article, we comprehensively review the roles of some of the important HSPs in cancer, and how targeting them could be efficacious, especially when traditional cancer therapies fail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Chaperones)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-20
Back to TopTop