heat shock protein

(... PROH-teen) One of a group of proteins that help protect cells from stresses such as heat, cold, and low amounts of oxygen or glucose (sugar). Heat-shock proteins help other proteins function in normal cells and may be present at high levels in cancer cells. Blocking the activity of a heat-shock protein called HSP90 is being studied in the treatment of cancer. Other heat-shock proteins including HSP70 and gp96 are being studied in vaccines to treat cancer. Also called HSP and stress protein.

(Abbreviation: HSP). A class of protein chaperones which are typically over-expressed as a response to heat stress. Two such proteins - HSP 90 and HSP 70 - have a role in ensuring that crucial proteins are folded into the correct conformation. Synonym: stress protein.