Heat shock proteins

Abstract

Heat shock proteins (HSP) are a group of proteins that have a molecular weight less than 100 kDa and whose production is induced by heat (42-46°C) shock. Infection, inflammation, some toxins such as ethanol, arsenic, trace metals and ultraviolet light, hunger, hypoxia, lack of nitrogen (in plants) and dehydration are the factors that could induce HSP production. HSPs are classified into four main groups according to their molecular weights; HSP 90 family, HSP 70 family, HSP 60 family and the small HSP family. They have functions mainly in cytoprotection, neurodegenerative pathologies, signal transduction pathways and cancer immunology.