CAS 136111-36-9

Heat shock factor (HSF) in humans, particularly the one associated with the CAS number 136111-36-9, is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the cellular response to stress, particularly heat shock. It is primarily involved in the regulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which help in protein folding and protection against stress-induced damage. HSF is activated under conditions of elevated temperatures or other stressors, leading to its trimerization and subsequent binding to heat shock elements in the promoter regions of HSP genes. This activation enhances the expression of HSPs, which assist in refolding denatured proteins and preventing aggregation. HSF also has implications in various physiological processes, including development, aging, and disease states such as neurodegeneration and cancer. Its activity is tightly regulated through various post-translational modifications and interactions with other cellular proteins, ensuring a balanced response to stress while maintaining cellular homeostasis. Understanding HSF's function is critical for developing therapeutic strategies targeting stress-related diseases.