Protein synthesized in response to an elevated temperature or other stressful treatment; usually helps the cell to survive the stress.

A protein synthesized in response to cellular stress, including high temperature. Heat shock proteins function as molecular chaperones to protect proteins from premature folding.

(heet shok PRO-teen) Family of proteins found in all cells that are expressed in response to cold, heat and other environmental stresses, although some are constitutively expressed. HSPs increase heat tolerance and perform functions essential to cell survival under these conditions. Some serve to stabilize proteins in abnormal configurations, and play a role in folding and unfolding of proteins, acting as molecular chaperones. There are four major subclasses: HSP90, HSP70, HSP60 and small HSPs. HSPs are believed to act as major immunogens in many infections and disease states. Learn more about heat shock proteins.

Proteins that are synthesized in organisms in response to various environmental stressors (such as extremes in temperature). There are various kinds of heat shock proteins, each of them performing different functions.

Heat shock proteins (HSP) are a group of proteins whose expression is increased when the cells are exposed to elevated temperatures. This increase in expression is transcriptionally regulated. This dramatic upregulation of the heat shock proteins induced mostly by Heat Shock Factor (HSF) is a key part of the heat shock response.