THE ROLE OF HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN (HSP) IN ORAL DISEASE

Heat Shock Protein (HSP) is a molecular chaperone that prevents stress-induced aggregation of partially denatured proteins and promotes their return to native confirmation when the condition is favorable. As molecular chaperones, the HSP protect protein structure and activity, thereby preventing disease, but they may contribute to cell malfunction if they are perturbed. Intracellular quantities and cellular localization of HSP was changed in response to anoxia/hypoxia, heat and oxidation, and in relation to pathological status. This review discusses the role of HSP in several human medical condition particularly in oral mucosa.