Hsp60 Inhibitors and Modulators

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on the 60 KDa Heat Shock Protein (Hsp60) and discuss some of its biological, molecular and pathological features. The structural and mechanistic aspect of the Hsp60 folding cycle will be also presented. We further illustrate how Hsp60 may be involved in many diseases and therefore considered as an effective therapeutic or theranostic target. Finally, the state-of-the-art on the development of Hsp60 and bacterial GroEL inhibitors and modulators of their expression will be illustrated. This is discussed in the light of a negative chaperonotherapy, and the consequent development of inhibitors, as well as positive chaperonotherapy, in the event its excessive activity is a disease-contrasting event.