Expression and Function of Stress (Heat Shock) Proteins in Digestive Organs

Our recent studies have been focused on the expression and cytoprotective function of heat shock proteins (HSPs) mediated by their function as a molecular chaperone in digestive organs. We have reported that HSP72 (72-kDa heat shock protein, stress-inducible HSP70) has crucial function in the gastric mucosa, colonic mucosa and the liver. In the pancreas, we proved that HSP60 (60-kDa heat shock protein, chaperonin homolog) has cytoprotective function. These evidences lead us to develop effective “chaperone-inducing therapy” including drugs, chemicals and gene therapies which might effective for disease therapy enhancing not only cytoprotective ability but also tissue restoration. In this review, we introduce our previous data.