Molekyylisäätimet

Molekyylisäätimet, also known as molecular chaperones, are a group of proteins that assist in the folding, assembly, and transport of other proteins within the cell. They do not become part of the final structure of the protein they help, but rather facilitate the process. Their primary function is to prevent misfolding and aggregation of proteins, which can lead to cellular dysfunction and disease.

These molecular chaperones are found in all types of cells, from bacteria to eukaryotes, and play crucial roles in various cellular processes. For example, they are essential for protein synthesis, helping newly synthesized polypeptide chains fold into their correct three-dimensional structures. They also assist in the transport of proteins across cellular membranes and the assembly of multi-protein complexes.

Some molecular chaperones, like heat shock proteins (HSPs), are produced in increased amounts when cells are exposed to stress, such as high temperatures, toxins, or oxidative damage. This increased production helps the cell to cope with the stress by refolding damaged proteins or targeting them for degradation.

Dysfunction of molecular chaperones has been implicated in a range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as cancer. Research into molecular chaperones is ongoing, with the aim of developing therapeutic strategies that can modulate their activity to treat these diseases.