Extracellar Hsp72 Is a DAMP Released by Stress

生理应激反应促进逃跑或战斗反应，并通过扩大瞳孔、增加能量动员、心率、呼吸和骨骼肌血流量来增加生存机会。目前的研究表明，由于释放危险相关分子模式（DAMPs）而增强的先天免疫应该添加到这一列表中。本项目重点研究70 kda热休克蛋白家族成员Hsp72的应激诱导作用，作为一个重要的系统性DAMP。Hsp72作为一种DAMP的发现将对所有产生适应性急性应激反应的生物体产生影响。利用系统生物学方法，本项目研究了eHsp72释放的性质及其在细菌攻击后宿主防御中的功能。这项工作的结果将丰富应激生理学和免疫学研究领域之间的相互作用，并可能产生利用应激适应性方面的方法。除了具体的科学进步外，这项研究还将继续从生物科学领域代表性不足的少数群体中招收本科生，目的是为他们进入研究生院做准备。PI历来训练和指导来自代表性不足群体的本科生。参与该项目的学生将在研究设计、批判性思维、口头和书面沟通方面接受指导和培训。本科生将以共同作者的身份在科学会议和同行评议的期刊上展示他们的工作。项目成果将通过电视、广播和主流期刊向公众传播。

The physiological stress response facilitates flight or fight responses and potentiates chances of survival by dilating pupils and increasing energy mobilization, heart rate, respiration, and blood flow to skeletal muscles. Current research indicates that potentiated innate immunity due to the release of danger-associated-molecular-patterns (DAMPs) should be added to this list. This project focuses on the role of the stress-inducible member of the 70-kDa Hsp (heat-shock) family of proteins Hsp72, as an important systemic DAMP. The discovery of Hsp72 as a DAMP would have implications for all organisms that generate adaptive acute stress responses. Using a systems biology approach, this project examines the nature of eHsp72 release and its function in host defense following bacterial challenge. The results of this work will enrich the interplay of research between the fields of stress physiology and immunology and could yield ways of capitalizing on the adaptive aspect of stress. In addition to specific scientific advancements, this research will sustain recruitment of undergraduate students from underrepresented minority groups in the biological sciences, with the goal of preparing them to enter graduate school. The PI has historically trained and mentored undergraduate students from underrepresented groups. Students involved in the project will be mentored and trained in research design, critical thinking, oral and written communication. Undergraduate students will present their work at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed journals as co-authors. The project outcomes will be disseminated to the general public through television, radio, and mainstream periodicals.