Abstract: Past research has indicated that the heat shock factor (HSF) family mediates the induction of heat shock proteins in response to various types of stress. HSF1 is the primary factor controlling the stress-inducible expression of HSP genes. The aim of the present study was to examine behavioral phenotype of HSF1 knockout male mice (HSF1 −/− mice).
Methods The behavior of HSF1 −/− mice was compared to those of a wild-type control in a series of experimental tests and conditions, including: (1) emotionality rating scale, (2) elevated plus maze, (3) open field test, (4) simple maze test, (5) T-maze continuous alternation task (T-CAT), (6) bridge walking, and (7) wire suspension test.
Results We find that HSF1 −/− mice: (1) had significantly lower emotionality rating scores, (2) spent a greater amount of time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze, (3) were less active in both open field test and simple maze test, and (4) showed impaired working memory as assessed by the T-CAT. There were no significant effects of genotype on the scores from the bridge walking and wire suspension test.
Conclusions These findings suggest that HSF1 −/− mices possess impaired motor exploratory motivation, and HSF1 −/− mice possess lower anxiety levels. At the same time, HSF -/- mices that have impaired working memory do not appear to affect locomotive ability

Key words: behavioral phenotype, HSF1, mouse, gene