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Intracellular protein homeostasis is largely controlled by Heat shock proteins (Hsp). Heat shock proteins (Hsp) impart an age-old defense mechanism for all forms of life on earth. Misfolded proteins are refolded with the aid of Hsp and proteins which are damaged beyond repair are eliminated with assistance from Hsp. Hsp are known as molecular chaperones for their cytoprotective roles. In cancer cells the Hsp are frequently overexpressed and are assumed to be associated with tumor formation. Hsp demonstrate specific affinity to particular classes of oncogenic peptides and client proteins in cancer cells, and are able to stabilize mutated oncogene proteins. They play a key regulatory role in prevention of apoptotic cell death during tumorigenesis and thereby enhance cell growth and proliferation. They may also promote chemoresistance in cancer cells. Here we present the current knowledge on the role of molecular chaperones in particular heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in human gastrointestinal cancers along with their therapeutic targeting. This review will focus on the role of Hsp 70 and related chaperones in several gastrointestinal cancers such as pancreatic, gastric, and liver cancers.

Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) is an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins which carry out multiple cellular functions such as protein biogenesis, protection during stress, prevention of formation of protein aggregates, assistance in protein translocation and many others. Hsp70, being the major cytoprotective molecular chaperone, plays a crucial role in protecting against a stunning array of stresses and in the re-establishment of cellular homeostasis. This book chapter gives an overview of the multifaceted Hsp70s in plants, with special emphasis on their association with plant response to various stress conditions and eventually, stress acclimation. The contribution of plant stress-responsive proteomics studies towards putting Hsp in the spotlight has also been brought forth. The road ahead is to decipher the underlying mechanisms of Hsp70-mediated multiple cross tolerance, that is likely to lead to new strategies to enhance crop tolerance to environmental stress.