hsp70 is localized to the centrosome of dividing HeLa cells

Monoclonal antibodies specific for inducible and constitutive members of the hsp70 family have been used to investigate the distribution of these proteins during the cell cycle of HeLa cells with special reference to mitosis. Indirect immunofluorescence studies illustrate that a portion of the constitutive form, hsp73, is localized to the centrosome during cell division. In addition a subset of the inducible form, hsp72, collects at the centrosome of dividing cells following heat shock. These observations suggest that members of the hsp70 family are cell cycle specific components of the centrosome in HeLa cells and may play an important role in the function of this microtubule organizing center.