Two HSFs have been identified in human cells, HSF 1 and HSF 2, which bind to the same HSEs and have 38% sequence identity. These factors are activated by distinct stimuli, HSF 1 is responsive to classical stress signals such as heat, heavy metals and oxidative reagents, whereas HSF 2 is activated during hemin-mediated differentiation of human erythroleukemia cells.HSF 1 exists constitutively in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of unstressed cells as a monomer which lacks DNA binding activity. Through an unknown signal generated during stress, HSF 1 becomes activated to a nuclear localized, trimeric state which binds to DNA. The phosphorylation of HSF 1 is necessary for maximal transcription of heat shock genes.
