HSF2

Heat shock factor 2 (Hsf2) belongs to a family of heat shock transcription factors that activate the transcription of genes encoding products required for protein folding, processing, targeting, degradation, and function. The up-regulation of heat shock protein (Hsp) expression by stressors is achieved at the level of transcription through a heat shock element (HSE) and a transcription factor. Most Hsfs have highly conserved amino acid sequences. On all Hsfs there is a DNA binding domain at the N-terminus. Hydrophobic repeats located adjacent to this binding domain are essential for the formation of active trimers. Towards the C-terminal region another short hydrophobic repeat exists and is thought to be necessary for suppression of trimerization. There are two main Hsfs, 1 and 2. Murine Hsf1 exists as two isoforms, however in higher eukaryotes Hsf1 is found in a diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution in unstressed cells. Once exposed to a multitude of stressors, it localizes to discrete nuclear granules within seconds. As it recovers from stress, Hsf1 dissipates from these granules to a diffuse nucleoplasmic distribution. Hsf2 on the other hand is similar to murine Hsf1, as it exists as two isoforms, the a form being more transcriptionally active than the smaller b form. Various experiments have suggested that Hsf2 may have roles in differentiation and development.

HSF2; heat shock transcription factor 2; heat shock factor protein 2; HSF 2; HSTF 2; MGC75048; MGC117376; MGC156196;