Biopolymers and cell. 2005; 21 (5): 392 - 399

Plant small heat shock proteins

O. S. Talalaev

Small heat shock proteins (sHsp) are produced ubiquitously in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells upon heat. The special importance of sHsp in plants is suggested by their unusual abundance and diversity. Six classes of sHsp have been identified in plants. In addition to heat stress, plant sHsp are also produced under other stress conditions and at certain developmental stages. The function of sHsp as molecular chaperones is supported by in vitro and in vivo assays. This review summarizes recent knowledge about plant sHsp gene expression, protein structure and functions.

Key words: heat shock proteins, chaperones