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Heat Shock Proteins

Meaning

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are a family of highly conserved molecular chaperones crucial for maintaining protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, within the cell under conditions of stress, including thermal or oxidative challenge. In the context of endocrine health, HSPs interact with steroid receptors, influencing their folding, stability, and ability to bind ligands effectively. These proteins are essential guardians of cellular machinery, ensuring that critical signaling components remain functional. They represent a fundamental layer of cellular defense against damage.