ABSTRACTHeat shock proteins (HSPs) are one of the most versatile classes of molecules which regulate cellular homeostasis. In 1960, Ritossa accidentally raisedthe incubation temperature of Drosophila fly and found an increased gene transcription of certain unknown proteins, which he named HSPs. Furtherstudies explored that HSPs, being expressed at low levels under normal conditions, act as molecular chaperones, which fold, assemble, localize,secrete, and translocate cellular proteins. Moreover, their expression is markedly induced in response to various stresses such as an exposure ofcells to heavy metals, nitric oxide, ischemia, microbial infection, antibiotics, and hormones. The literature has been thoroughly investigated, and thepresent review summarizes the complex role of HSPs in gastric disorders, neurological disorders, apoptosis, cancer, etc. Expression of HSPs by cellshas important physiological or pathological implications. HSPs can be used as novel molecular targets for both the pharmacological and therapeuticinterventions to prevent and cure various diseases.Keywords: Heat shock proteins, Apoptosis, Stress
