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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Intracellular Refolding Assay
07:18

Intracellular Refolding Assay

Published on: January 24, 2012

CD95-mediated alteration in Hsp70 levels is dependent on protein stabilization

Caoimhín G Concannon1, Una FitzGerald, Carina I Holmberg

  • 1Cell Stress and Apoptosis Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.

Insights

CD95 signaling increases heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) levels by enhancing protein stability, not mRNA accumulation. This novel mechanism involves reduced Hsp70 turnover during CD95-mediated apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Engagement of death receptors triggers caspase activation and apoptosis.
  • Previous studies indicated elevated heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) levels during CD95-mediated apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism behind increased Hsp70 levels during CD95 receptor-mediated apoptosis.
  • To determine if Hsp70 accumulation is regulated at the mRNA or posttranslational level.

Main Methods:

  • Challenging cells with a monoclonal antibody against the CD95 receptor.
  • Assessing Hsp70 levels, heat shock factor 1 activation, and Hsp70 mRNA accumulation.
  • Utilizing cycloheximide to inhibit protein synthesis and evaluating Hsp70 stability.
  • Comparing CD95 signaling with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) treatment.

Main Results:

  • Hsp70 levels increased in a dose-dependent manner upon CD95 receptor engagement.
  • Hsp70 accumulation occurred independently of heat shock factor 1 activation or increased Hsp70 mRNA levels.
  • CD95 signaling maintained Hsp70 protein levels despite inhibited de novo protein synthesis, unlike control cells.
  • TRAIL-induced apoptosis did not affect Hsp70 levels, indicating receptor-specific effects.

Conclusions:

  • CD95 receptor signaling enhances Hsp70 protein stability, leading to its accumulation.
  • This mechanism involves increased protein stability and reduced turnover, a novel pathway for heat shock protein accumulation during apoptosis.
  • The findings highlight a posttranslational regulation of Hsp70 during CD95-mediated cell death.

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