HSPB7 Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Heat Shock 27kDa Protein Family, Member 7 (HSPB7), also known as cardiovascular heat shock protein, is a member of the small heat shock protein (sHsp) family. These proteins are known for their role in protecting cells from stress conditions such as heat, oxidative stress, and ischemia. HSPB7 is highly expressed in the vertebrate heart and has been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases.
HSPB7, like other small heat shock proteins, has a conserved α-crystallin domain near the C-terminus, which is crucial for its chaperone activity. This domain helps in the formation of stable dimers and oligomers, which are essential for the protein’s function. The N-terminal region of HSPB7 is less conserved and is involved in the regulation of oligomerization and interaction with other proteins .
The primary function of HSPB7 is to act as a molecular chaperone, preventing the aggregation of misfolded proteins and assisting in their proper folding. This activity is particularly important under stress conditions, where the risk of protein misfolding is high. HSPB7 also plays a role in inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death) and regulating cell development and differentiation .
HSPB7 is highly expressed in the heart, and its expression is upregulated in response to stress conditions such as ischemia (reduced blood flow). Genome-wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the HSPB7 locus that are associated with an increased risk of cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure .
Experimental studies have shown that HSPB7 has a protective role in the heart. For example, knockdown experiments in zebrafish have demonstrated that reduced expression of HSPB7 leads to severe heart failure, characterized by reduced contractility and heart rate . These findings suggest that HSPB7 is essential for maintaining normal heart function, particularly under stress conditions.
Recombinant HSPB7 is produced using genetic engineering techniques, where the HSPB7 gene is inserted into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast. This allows for the large-scale production of HSPB7 protein, which can be used for research and therapeutic purposes.
Recombinant HSPB7 has been used in various studies to investigate its potential therapeutic applications. For instance, it has been explored as a treatment for cardiovascular diseases, where it may help to protect the heart from damage caused by ischemia and other stress conditions .
