Heat shock proteins (Hsps) or molecular chaperones, are highly conserved protein families present in allstudied organisms. Following cellular stress, the intracellular concentration of Hsps generally increases several...Heat shock proteins (Hsps) or molecular chaperones, are highly conserved protein families present in allstudied organisms. Following cellular stress, the intracellular concentration of Hsps generally increases several folds.Hsps undergo ATP-driven conformational changes to stabilize unfolded proteins or unfold them for translocationacross membranes or mark them for degradation. They are broadly classified in several families according to theirmolecular weights and functional properties. Extensive studies during the past few decades suggest that Hsps play avital role in both normal cellular homeostasis and stress response. Hsps have been reported to interact with numeroussubstrates and are involved in many biological functions such as cellular communication, immune response, proteintransport, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, gametogenesis and aging. The present review attempts to provide a briefoverview of various Hsps and summarizes their involvement in diverse biological activities.展开更多
基金Department of Biotechnology(DBT),Department of Science and Technology(DST),New Delhi and Delhi University Research and Development Grant to SS.DST-BOYSCAST fellowship to SS is also gratefully acknowledged.
文摘Heat shock proteins (Hsps) or molecular chaperones, are highly conserved protein families present in allstudied organisms. Following cellular stress, the intracellular concentration of Hsps generally increases several folds.Hsps undergo ATP-driven conformational changes to stabilize unfolded proteins or unfold them for translocationacross membranes or mark them for degradation. They are broadly classified in several families according to theirmolecular weights and functional properties. Extensive studies during the past few decades suggest that Hsps play avital role in both normal cellular homeostasis and stress response. Hsps have been reported to interact with numeroussubstrates and are involved in many biological functions such as cellular communication, immune response, proteintransport, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, gametogenesis and aging. The present review attempts to provide a briefoverview of various Hsps and summarizes their involvement in diverse biological activities.