Heat shock protein nuclear import factor Hikeshi (HIKESHI)

Heat shock protein nuclear import factor Hikeshi (HIKESHI) is a nuclear transport receptor that mediates the nuclear import of heat-shock proteins—particularly the molecular chaperone Hsp70—under heat shock and cellular stress conditions[1][2][3]. Unlike classical importins, Hikeshi is activated when importin-mediated nuclear import is downregulated by stress, ensuring a continued supply of chaperones to the nucleus to counteract heat-induced protein aggregation and damage, thereby promoting cell survival[1]. Hikeshi contains an N-terminal FG-binding domain and a C-terminal dimerization domain, forming an asymmetric dimer that specifically recognizes ATP-bound Hsp70[1]. Under certain conditions, Hikeshi auto-inhibition is relieved to facilitate nuclear import. Genetically, HIKESHI is located on chromosome 11 in humans and loss-of-function mutations have been associated with severe hereditary neurodevelopmental disorders[2][3].

Other names

C11orf73HSPC138HSPC179HSPC248OPI10HLD13L7RN6protein HikeshiHikeshiheat shock protein nuclear import factorChr 7lethalRinchik 6