Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN, DNAJ

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Protein referred to as co- chaperone because it is known to assist DnaK- dependent
chaperone activities All organisms, when exposed to stress conditions, increase expression
of certain proteins called " heat- shock or stress proteins (HSPs)" . HSPs within a size
group have remained remarkably conserved during evolution, with sequence homology
approximately 50% for organisms as diverse as prokaryotes, plants and mammals. All HSPs
act as " chaperones" in the cell by binding to and stabilizing unfolded or nascent
proteins. Chaperones guide in- vivo transport, folding and assembly of other protein
structures, but are not themselves components of these structures as part of their
biological functions. HSP60 and HSP70 assist in the synthesis, translocation, correct
folding and subunit assembly of proteins while consuming ATP. They show some ATPase
activity even in the absence of other peptides. HSP60 is homologous to GroEL of E. coli
(also called chaperonin) while HSP70 is homologous to DnaK of E. coli. HSP90 plays an
important part in regulating steroid receptors. HSP25 is homologous with crystallin, an
abundant protein of the eye lens. HSP8s are also known as ubiquitins; they label proteins
in the cell for degradation. Some bacterial HSPs are important antigens, involved in auto-
immune disease.

SYNONYMS

co-chaperone, HSP-Dnaj

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust and skin contact.  Exposure to small quantities may induce hypersensitivity reactions characterized by acute bronchospasm, hives (urticaria), deep dermal wheals (angioneurotic edema), running nose (rhinitis) and blurred vision . Anaphylactic shock and skin rash (non-thrombocytopenic purpura) may occur. An individual may be predisposed to such anti-body mediated reaction if other chemical agents have caused prior sensitization (cross-sensitivity).  Dusts produced by proteins can sometimes sensitize workers like other foreign bodies. Symptoms include asthma appearing soon after exposure, with wheezing, narrowing of the airways and breathing difficulties. There may also be a chronic cough, phlegm, fever, muscle pains, fatigue and airway obstruction; chest X-rays may show a characteristic net-  like pattern or scarring at the tip and base. There may also be chest discomfort, headache, stomachache and a general feeling of unwellness. Often the clinical picture is similar to "farmer's lung" and other allergic lung inflammations. Prolonged contact with the skin can cause pain, redness, inflammation and ulceration. Repeated attacks can cause loss of lung function due to scarring.