Cellular Heat Shock Response: Rethinking the Significance

This lecture by the instructor explores the cellular heat shock response, highlighting the programmed responses of genomes to various stresses like heat, nutrient depletion, and heavy metals. The standard model of the heat-shock response is discussed, emphasizing the absence of a sensor mechanism. The formation of stress granules and biomolecular condensates upon stress is examined, along with the role of chaperones in accompanying diverse stresses. The restoration of heat-induced misfolded protein aggregates by the yeast Hsp104/70/40 disaggregation system is also presented, shedding light on the significance of induced chaperones in cellular stress. The lecture concludes with an in-depth analysis of how biomolecular condensates are a major substrate of induced chaperones, showcasing their role in promoting cell fitness during stress.