HSPA1B (Heat Shock Protein Family A (Hsp70) Member 1B) is a molecular chaperone crucial for diverse cellular processes. Its functions include proteome protection from stress, nascent polypeptide folding and transport, misfolded protein degradation, and protein complex assembly/disassembly. HSPA1B plays a central role in protein quality control, ensuring proper protein folding, refolding of misfolded proteins, and targeting of proteins for degradation. This is accomplished through ATP-dependent cycles involving ATP binding, hydrolysis, and ADP release, mediated by co-chaperones.
Co-chaperones not only regulate the ATPase cycle but also exhibit substrate specificity. Some promote substrate folding, while others promote degradation. HSPA1B's polypeptide affinity is regulated by its nucleotide-bound state. The ATP-bound form displays low substrate affinity, while ATP hydrolysis to ADP induces a conformational change, increasing substrate affinity. Repeated ATP hydrolysis and nucleotide exchange cycles facilitate substrate binding and release.
Three types of co-chaperones interact with HSPA1B: J-domain co-chaperones (e.g., HSP40s, stimulating ATPase hydrolysis), nucleotide exchange factors (NEFs) such as BAG1/2/3 (facilitating the transition from ADP-bound to ATP-bound states, promoting substrate release), and TPR domain chaperones like HOPX and STUB1. HSPA1B maintains protein homeostasis during cellular stress via two opposing mechanisms: protein refolding and degradation. Its acetylation/deacetylation status dictates its function, influencing the competitive binding of HOPX (promoting refolding) and STUB1 (promoting ubiquitin-mediated degradation). Early stress responses involve acetylated HSPA1B binding to HOPX for refolding, followed by deacetylation and binding to STUB1 for degradation.
HSPA1B regulates centrosome integrity during mitosis, essential for maintaining functional mitotic centrosomes and bipolar mitotic spindle assembly. Furthermore, it enhances STUB1-mediated SMAD3 ubiquitination and degradation, facilitating STUB1-mediated inhibition of TGF-beta signaling. HSPA1B is crucial for STUB1-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of FOXP3 in regulatory T-cells (Tregs) during inflammation. In the context of rotavirus A infection, HSPA1B functions as a post-attachment receptor, facilitating viral entry into the cell.
Applications : WB
Sample type: cells
Review: exosome-specific marker CD63,TSG101 and Hsp70 were both expressed in OGD/R-exos and BBR-exos by western blot.
HSPA1B is one of the genes encoding Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) family members. It is highly homologous to HSPA1A, with both genes located in the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6p21. These genes are specifically heat shock inducible, distinguishing them from constitutively expressed HSP70 family members. The high sequence homology between HSPA1A and HSPA1B requires careful consideration when designing experiments targeting either protein specifically .
HSPA1B expression has been documented in multiple tissues through validated studies. Based on literature citations, expression has been confirmed in:
| Tissue Type | Publications (PubMed ID) |
|---|---|
| Brain (Cajal-Retzius cell, Fetal brain cortex) | 23349634 |
| Brain, Muscle, Pancreas, PNS, Skin | 15489334 |
| Cervix carcinoma | 17081983, 18691976, 20068231 |
| Cervix carcinoma, Erythroleukemia | 23186163 |
| Colon carcinoma | 24129315 |
| Liver | 24275569 |
| Uterus | 14702039 |
This tissue distribution information is valuable when selecting positive controls for experimental validation .
When selecting an anti-HSPA1B antibody, researchers should consider:
Validated applications: Ensure the antibody has been tested for your specific application (IHC, ICC, WB)
Species cross-reactivity: Verify reactivity with your experimental model (human, mouse, rat)
Epitope specificity: Consider whether the antibody can distinguish between HSPA1B and the highly homologous HSPA1A
Formulation compatibility: Check if the antibody formulation (e.g., BSA-containing vs. BSA-free) is compatible with your downstream applications
Validated sample types: Confirm the antibody works with your specific tissue/cell type
For applications requiring high signal-to-noise ratio, premium antibodies (like those designated "Picoband") that guarantee high affinity and strong signals with minimal background are recommended .
Given the high sequence homology between HSPA1A and HSPA1B, ensuring specificity requires rigorous validation:
Use blocking peptides to confirm target specificity
Implement genetic controls (HSPA1B knockout/knockdown)
Compare results with alternative antibodies targeting different epitopes
Complement antibody-based detection with nucleic acid-based methods that can distinguish between the two genes
Perform Western blotting to confirm single band of appropriate molecular weight
Include tissue panels with differential expression of HSPA1A vs HSPA1B based on published literature
These validation steps are critical when investigating specific roles of HSPA1B distinct from HSPA1A functions .
For optimal HSPA1B detection across different applications:
For Western Blotting:
Sample types successfully validated include: 293t, HeLa, A549, A431, PANC whole cell lysates, and intestinal cancer tissue
Standard RIPA or NP-40 buffer extraction with protease inhibitors is recommended
Loading 20-40 μg of total protein typically provides detectable signal
For Immunohistochemistry:
Freshly prepared paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixation is recommended over long-term stored PFA (which converts to formalin) due to better tissue penetration
Paraffin-embedded sections require appropriate antigen retrieval
Both frozen and FFPE samples have been validated for HSPA1B detection
For Immunocytochemistry:
Standard 4% PFA fixation for 10-15 minutes typically preserves epitope accessibility
Cytoplasmic staining is expected based on subcellular localization data .
To differentiate between stress-induced and constitutive HSPA1B expression:
Include appropriate controls:
Unstressed baseline samples
Time-course sampling after stress induction
Positive controls with known heat shock response
Implement precise experimental conditions:
Maintain strict temperature control during sample collection and processing
Document all potential stressors during experimental procedures
Consider genetic background (SNPs that affect HSPA1B expression)
Use complementary techniques:
qRT-PCR to measure transcript levels over time
ChIP assays to assess transcription factor binding to heat shock elements
Reporter constructs to monitor promoter activity
Compare HSPA1B expression patterns with constitutively expressed HSP family members to highlight induction dynamics .
Common issues in HSPA1B detection include:
Causes of false positives:
Cross-reactivity with HSPA1A due to sequence homology
Non-specific binding in tissues with high protein content
Inadvertent stress induction during sample preparation
Excessive antibody concentration
Causes of false negatives:
Inadequate antigen retrieval in fixed tissues
Epitope masking during fixation
Insufficient antibody concentration
Sample degradation
Resolution strategies:
Optimize antibody dilution through titration experiments
Include appropriate blocking steps to minimize non-specific binding
Use validated positive and negative control tissues
Implement blocking peptides to confirm specificity
Consider alternative fixation methods if epitope masking is suspected .
When encountering unexpected HSPA1B staining patterns:
Consult literature for documented expression patterns in the tissue of interest
Consider whether the observed pattern is cytoplasmic (expected) or in unexpected subcellular compartments
Evaluate whether experimental conditions might have induced stress response
Compare with parallel HSPA1A staining to assess specificity
Validate findings using alternative detection methods
For example, positive cytoplasmic staining in pancreas is consistent with published literature, as pancreas does express HSPA1B. Similarly, Cajal-Retzius cells in fetal brain cortex have documented HSPA1B expression .
Genetic determinants significantly impact HSPA1B expression, particularly following heat shock:
Multiple SNPs have been identified in the HSPA1B region:
Five SNPs upstream of the transcriptional start site
Three SNPs in the 5′-UTR
Eight SNPs in the coding region
In lymphoblastoid cell lines from individuals of African ancestry, HSPA1B expression following heat shock is strongly associated with rs400547 and linked SNPs located 62-93 kb telomeric to HSPA1B
These genetic associations explain approximately 30% of the variance in HSPA1B expression following heat shock
Researchers should consider potential genetic variation when comparing HSPA1B expression across different experimental models or human samples, as these polymorphisms may contribute to variability in experimental outcomes .
When adapting protocols for cross-species HSPA1B detection:
Verify antibody cross-reactivity with the target species (documented reactivity with human, mouse, and rat for many commercial antibodies)
Consider sequence conservation between species - while validated for certain species, antibodies may work in others with high sequence homology
Optimize staining conditions for each species (antibody concentration, incubation time, antigen retrieval)
Include appropriate species-specific positive controls
Validate findings with alternative detection methods when working with non-validated species
For example, antibodies validated for rat and human may potentially work in dog tissues due to sequence conservation, though explicit validation would be required .
To investigate differential regulation between these highly homologous genes:
Implement quantitative and specific assays for determining transcript abundance that can distinguish between HSPA1A and HSPA1B
Design primers/probes targeting unique regions of each gene
Analyze promoter differences through:
ChIP-seq to identify differential transcription factor binding
Reporter assays comparing promoter activities
ATAC-seq to assess chromatin accessibility differences
Consider the role of genetic polymorphisms:
SNPs identified in regulatory regions may differentially affect expression
Some polymorphisms may be associated with altered heat shock response
Examine post-transcriptional regulation:
mRNA stability differences
Differential translation efficiency
When exploring HSPA1B as a potential biomarker:
Establish baseline expression levels in relevant normal tissues
Determine sensitivity and specificity for the condition of interest
Validate expression changes across multiple patient cohorts
Develop standardized detection protocols suitable for clinical implementation
Consider the impact of genetic polymorphisms on expression levels
Differentiate between HSPA1B-specific signals and general HSP70 upregulation
Published research has documented altered HSPA1B expression in various pathological conditions, including colon carcinoma, cervix carcinoma, and erythroleukemia, suggesting potential diagnostic applications .
To effectively utilize HSPA1B antibodies in disease-related stress response research:
Implement multi-parameter analysis:
Combine HSPA1B detection with other stress markers
Correlate expression with functional outcomes
Analyze temporal dynamics of expression
Design appropriate stress models:
Heat shock protocols (temperature and duration optimization)
Oxidative stress induction
Pharmacological stress inducers
Disease-relevant stressors
Consider cell/tissue-specific responses:
Different tissues may exhibit variable HSPA1B induction thresholds
Disease states may alter baseline stress levels
Integrate with therapeutic interventions:
Monitor HSPA1B as a biomarker of treatment response
Target stress response pathways for therapeutic benefit