Heat Shock Proteins And Neuroprotection

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) (also known as stress proteins) protect the cells from damages caused due to different stresses like heat, injury, chemical induced toxicity, etc. Some HSPs can act as molecular chaperones to help in correct folding of proteins or directing misfolded proteins for degradation. This action prevents toxic accumulation of proteins in cells that can otherwise lead to damage and then death. Correct folding of proteins is essential for all cells but in particular, it is known that improper folding of proteins in neurons can lead to diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases etc. This review focuses on patents that deal with direct or indirect applications of HSPs to prevent neurodegeneration or diagnosing neuropathy.