Heat Shock Proteins

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved molecular chaperones that are classified according to their molecular masses.  HSPs, which are expressed in all major cellular compartments, participate in multiple cellular events, such as protein folding, assembly, secretion, regulation, and trafficking, and assist in protein degradation in unstressed cells.  Certain HSPs are induced and expressed at high levels when cells are exposed to stressors, particularly those that affect cells' protein machinery.  These HSPs play a key role in protecting cells by maintaining protein homeostasis.