The pleiotropic activity of heat-shock proteins

Journal Title: Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine - Year 2009, Vol 63, Issue

Abstract

Stress or heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved proteins present in cells of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, providing them with protection from cellular and environmental stress factors. Based on molecular-weight, HSPs can be divided into the large (HSP100: 100–110 kDa and HSP90: 75–96 kDa), intermediate (HSP70: 66–78 kDa, HSP60, and HSP40), and small (sHSP: 8.5–40 kDa) subfamilies. These proteins play an essential role as molecular chaperones/co-chaperones by assisting the correct folding of nascent and stress-accumulated protein-substrate assembly, preventing the aggregation of these proteins, as well as transport across membranes and the degradation of other proteins. Members of HSP family display dual activity depending on their intra- or extracellular distribution. Intracellular HSPs mainly play a protective role. Extracellular or membrane-bound HSPs mediate immunological functions. Among the functions of HSPs is their participation in cell signaling. This review deals with the structure and properties of the main members of the HSPs and their role in a large number of cellular/extracellular processes.

Authors and Affiliations

Arleta Kaźmierczuk, Zofia Kiliańska

Keywords

Related Articles

Molecular mimicry in the etiology of autoimmune diseases

There are currently more than 80 different autoimmune diseases, affecting approximately 100 million people worldwide. The etiology of most autoimmune diseases is unknown. The highest incidence of these diseases is in th...

Nowe peptydy odgrywające rolę w zaburzeniach metabolicznych

Wśród nowych peptydów odgrywających istotną rolę w patogenezie zaburzeń metabolicznych i gospodarki węglowodanowej ważne miejsce zajmują adipokiny. Są to substancje o charakterze hormonalnym wydzielane przez komórki tkan...

Antioxidant activity of selected phenols estimated by ABTS and FRAP methods

Introduction: Phenols are the most abundant compounds in nature. They are strong antioxidants. Too high level of free radicals leads to cell and tissue damage, which may cause asthma, Alzheimer disease, cancers, etc. Tak...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP66391
  • DOI -
  • Views 169
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Arleta Kaźmierczuk, Zofia Kiliańska (2009). The pleiotropic activity of heat-shock proteins. Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine, 63(), 502-521. https://www.europub.co.uk/articles/-A-66391