Examination of the effect of Withaferin A on heat shock protein gene expression in Xenopus laevis A6 kidney epithelial cells.(ABSTRACTS/RESUMES)(Report)

Cell stress resulting in a mass of unfolded protein was shown to induce heat shock protein (hsp) gene expression. HSPs inhibit aggregation and maintain proteins in a folding competent state, thereby protecting the cell from permanent molecular damage. The Indian desert plant Withania somnifera is used in over 100 medicinal remedies, and was recently shown to inhibit angiogenesis and carcinogenesis. Withaferin A (WA) was isolated and is thought to be the active component responsible for these properties. WA has been shown to inhibit proteasomal activity in the cell, which can lead to an increase in unfolded or damaged protein. The present study examined the effect of WA on hsp gene …