Role of hsp70 in cancer growth and survival

Hsp70 is a highly conserved protein that refolds misfolded proteins and has numerous housekeeping functions which regulate apoptosis and other cell activities. hsp70 consists of a nucleotide binding domain which binds atp and a substrate binding domain that binds misfolded proteins. the substrate binding domain contains a peptide binding pocket which is covered by a helical lid. in humans,there are three major cytosolic hsp70 isotypes,hsp70-8,hsp70-1 and hsp70-2. leukemic and numerous other cancer cells have a greater amount of hsp70-1 and -2,which help the cancer cells inhibit apoptosis in response to stress. this review summarizes the structure and role of hsp70 proteins in cancer survival. © 2012 bentham science publishers.