Effect of hyperthermia on the transcription rate of heat shock genes in regions of the rabbit nervous system

grantor: University of TorontoThis thesis examines the transcriptional response of heat shock genes in the hyperthermic rabbit brain. Using nuclear run-on transcription assays, a major up-regulation in the transcription rate of hsp70 was observed after hyperthermia while transcription of hsp90$\alpha$ and hsp90$\beta$ were not induced to the same extent. Region-specific differences in both the magnitude and time course of the response were apparent. Gel mobility shift assays revealed that activation of heat shock transcription factor, HSF1, to a DNA-binding form paralleled the transcriptional induction profile of hsp70. The transcription rate of several non-heat shock genes showed little change relative to hsp70 induction. Western blot analysis demonstrated region-specific differences in the level of HSF1 which correlated with the level of HSE-binding activity. High levels of hsc70 and hsp90 protein were expressed in all regions while differences were apparent in the basal and induced levels of hsp70 protein.M.Sc