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Heat Shock Protein Hsp70 and diabetic neuropathy

The chaperone protein, Hsp70, is able tp reverse the loss of function in the nerves of mice with diabetes.Results of a preclinical model were published n ASN NEURO, by Michael J. Urban and colleagues at the University of Kansas. The group suggest that Hsp70 could be used in the future to cure the loss of feeling in the limbs that afflicts many diabetics.

Upregulation Hsp70 and neuroprotection

Up regulation of Hsp70 by inhibiting the activity of Hsp70's regulatory protein, Hsp90, has led to the reversal of neuronal degeneration in mice with DPN. Hsp90, a key regulator of Hsp70 and the cellular heat shock response (HSR), had its activity inhibited by a novel C-terminal inhibitor, KU-32.

The resultant increase in Hsp70 activity is believed to reverse DPN by Hsp70's ability to refold aggregated and damaged proteins, whilst Hsp70 provides pain relief by its ability to block the JNK protein kinase activity.

Source University of Kansas

Jan M. Keppel Hesselink, MD, PhD, august 2010