Hsp60 and carcinogenesis

Abstract

Hsp60 emerges as a multifaceted player in cancer development, participating in various biochemical and metabolic pathways within cancer cells. Its participation in key processes such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, and immune modulation contributes to the initiation, growth, and dissemination of cancer. However, the workings of Hsp60 appear variable, depending on various factors such as place of residence (e.g., inside or outside the cell, inside mitochondria or in the cytosol, free or membrane bound), presence of posttranslational modifications, and tumor type and stage. Notably, in cancers such as large intestine and cervix carcinomas, Hsp60 influence is evident already in the preliminary stages of the disease. Its involvement extends beyond intracellular processes, playing a pivotal role in shaping the immune response that tumor cells manipulate to infiltrate surrounding tissues and spread out near and far. This chapter includes sections about various important issues in oncology focusing on Hsp60 as member of the chaperone system, and pertinent specifics about breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, head and neck, kidney, liver, lung, prostate, and thyroid cancers.