Extracellular matrix components affect the pattern of protein synthesis of endothelial cells responding to hyperthermia

Summary The biosynthetic profile of endothelial cells responding to hyperthermia is altered by extracellular matrix components. The extracellular matrix components influence the quantitative expression of members of the HSP70 family and HSP90. The expression of several HSP70 mRNA species, which are strictly stress inducible, are modulated by extracellular matrix components. Both laminin and collagen type IV decrease the amount of HSP70 protein and mRNA expressed by endothelial cells exposed to hyperthermia relative to control cultures attached to virgin plastic. In contrast, both laminin and collagen type IV increased the amount of HSP90 mRNA constitutively expressed by endothelial cells at 37° C. When endothelial cells were exposed to elevated temperatures, these two extracellular matrix proteins decrease the amount of HSP90 mRNA relative to control cultures attached to virgin plastic. Our observations are consistent with the proposal that the extracellular matrix components regulate gene expression and cell behavior in regard to thermotolerance.