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Multi-faceted role of HSP40 in cancer

Aparna Mitra1, Lalita A Shevde, Rajeev S Samant

  • 1Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.

Clinical & Experimental Metastasis
|April 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Heat shock protein 40 (HSP40), also known as DNAJ proteins, are crucial co-chaperones. This review summarizes their roles in cancer biology and the potential significance of their J domain.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Protein Biochemistry

Background:

  • Heat shock protein 40 (HSP40) / DNAJ proteins are a large family of co-chaperone proteins.
  • Over 41 human DNAJ members exist, located in various cellular compartments.
  • Their physiological roles remain largely understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the involvement of human DNAJ family members in cancer biology.
  • To explore the potential role of the J domain of DNAJ proteins in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Analysis of studies implicating DNAJ proteins in cancer development and progression.

Main Results:

  • Emerging evidence links specific DNAJ family members to various cancers.
  • The J domain is a conserved functional region within DNAJ proteins.

Conclusions:

  • DNAJ proteins represent a significant, yet underappreciated, area in cancer research.
  • Further investigation into DNAJ proteins and their J domains may reveal novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

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