title: [Biology of heat shock proteins].
abstract: Hsp (Heat shock proteins) are a family of constitutive proteins of all pro and eukariotic cells that play different physiological roles: they promote the folding (acquisition of tertiary structure) assembly, translocation and secretion of newly synthesized polypeptides and participate in the removal or repairing of denatured proteins acting as molecular chaperons. This family of proteins is composed by numerous members grouped according to their molecular weight. When cells are subjected to different stresses such as hyperthermic shock, radiation, toxins, viral infections, etc., Hsp are overexpressed. In this way, they exert a cytoprotective effect, making the cells resistant to apoptosis. In humans, Hsp are overexpressed in cancer cells from ovary, endometrium, breast, prostate, digestive tract, etc. In some cases, overexpression is correlated with an unfavorable outcome because these proteins could favour metastatic disease. Some authors associate them not only with proliferation but also with differentiation of the neoplastic tissue. Recent studies show their influence in resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Hsp can suppress the inflammatory response. Nevertheless, their role in the immune system has not been well established.
authors.affiliation: Cátedra de Patología B, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Coronato
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Di Girolamo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salas
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Spinelli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Laguens
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D018883:Heat Stroke / Q000378:metabolism; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress
chemical_list: D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins