Molecular Chaperones of Leishmania: Central Players in Many Stress-Related and -Unrelated Physiological Processes.

ABSTRACT: Molecular chaperones are key components in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and survival, not only during stress but also under optimal growth conditions. Folding of nascent polypeptides is supported by molecular chaperones, which avoid the formation of aggregates by preventing nonspecific interactions and aid, when necessary, the translocation of proteins to their correct intracellular localization. Furthermore, when proteins are damaged, molecular chaperones may also facilitate their refolding or, in the case of irreparable proteins, their removal by the protein degradation machinery of the cell. During their digenetic lifestyle, Leishmania parasites encounter and adapt to harsh environmental conditions, such as nutrient deficiency, hypoxia, oxidative stress, changing pH, and shif

SUBMITTER: Requena JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4488524 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature