Heat shock proteins and their functions

Abstract

Heat shock proteins are a group of proteins that are observed to be produced in large amounts after cells are exposed to high temperatures. It is characterized by rapid gene expression at high temperature such as 42-46℃. These proteins are also called stress proteins because cells accept high temperature as a stress factor and synthesize heat shock proteins. There is no increase in gene expression of heat shock proteins due to high temperature alone. In addition to high temperature, there is an increase in gene expression of heat shock proteins in conditions such as UV rays, radiation, inflammation, exposure to starvation, lack of trace elements, pH change, exposure to heavy metals, and oxidative stress. The molecular weight of heat shock proteins ranges from 15 kDA to 110 kDA, and they are examined in 5 types according to their molecular weights. HSP100, HSP90, HSP70, HSP60 and (sHSP) are small heat shock proteins. Each type of HSP is located in different parts of cells and has more than one isoform. In this proceeding we will briefly discuss some of the heat shock proteins and their functions.