The role of heat shock proteins in neoplastic processes and the research on their importance in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Abstract

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are chaperones with highly conservative primary structure, necessary in the processes of protein folding to the most energetically advantageous conformation and maintaining their stability. HSPs perform a number of important functions in various cellular processes and are capable of modulating pathophysiological conditions at the cellular and systemic levels. An example is the high level of HSP expression in neoplastic tissues, which disrupts the apoptosis of transformed cells and promotes the processes of proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, an increasing amount of information is appearing about the participation of HSPs in the formation of multidrug resistance.This paper provides a review of the current state of research on the fundamental importance as well as the diagnostic and prognostic role of various classes of HSP in cancer treatment. It presents the prospects for using HSPs as biological markers of disease progression and targets in various cancer treatment strategies. However, the need for additional research is quite high. Only numerous joint efforts of research groups will allow the effective use of HSPs as a tool to combat cancer.

HSPB11 is a Prognostic Biomarker Associated with Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…As molecular chaperones, HSPs can protect cells to ensure survival under stress conditions, and increased expression of HSPs is observed in pathophysiological processes of cancer. 33 Studies have found that HSPs can enhance the survival and aggressiveness of cancer cells under stress conditions, 34 and specific inhibitors of HSPs or combined treatment with chemotherapy drugs can improve the prognosis of HCC. 21 In recent years, few studies have reported that HSPB11 is overexpressed in a variety of malignant tumors.…”

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of heat shock proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…HCC remains a seriously challenge to public healthy due to its high incidence and mortality, and long-term prognosis of HCC patients is relatively low. HSPs have been con rmed to act as oncogenic regulator and play an important role in tumorigenesis [15][16][22][23]. However, the clinical evidence for this role of HSPs in HCC was inconsistent.…”

“…They are generally classi ed into ve groups based on their molecular weight or systematic gene symbols, including HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, HSP110 and small HSPs [12]. This class of proteins were found to be involved in various cellular processes, both physiological and pathological, and profoundly impact tumor progression by manipulating cancer hallmarks such as anti-apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Overexpression of HSPs was observed in a wide range of human malignant tumors, including liver, colorectal, cervical, breast, prostate and lung cancers [20][21][22].…”

Progress in the studies on the molecular mechanisms associated with multidrug resistance in cancers

“…Heat shock proteins (HSPs) comprising HSP70, HSP90, HSP100, HSP40, HSP60, and small molecule HSPs, are vital proteins exerting protection functions in various conditions with stress 144 , 145 . Among them, some are relevant to drug resistance ( e .…”