HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS: KNOWLEDGE SO FAR AND ITS FUTURE PROSPECTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are one of the most versatile classes of molecules which regulate cellular homeostasis. In 1960, Ritossa accidentally raised
the incubation temperature of Drosophila fly and found an increased gene transcription of certain unknown proteins, which he named HSPs. Further
studies explored that HSPs, being expressed at low levels under normal conditions, act as molecular chaperones, which fold, assemble, localize,
secrete, and translocate cellular proteins. Moreover, their expression is markedly induced in response to various stresses such as an exposure of
cells to heavy metals, nitric oxide, ischemia, microbial infection, antibiotics, and hormones. The literature has been thoroughly investigated, and the
present review summarizes the complex role of HSPs in gastric disorders, neurological disorders, apoptosis, cancer, etc. Expression of HSPs by cells
has important physiological or pathological implications. HSPs can be used as novel molecular targets for both the pharmacological and therapeutic
interventions to prevent and cure various diseases.
Keywords: Heat shock proteins, Apoptosis, Stress.