Heat shock proteins and the skin.

Heat shock proteins are of fundamental importance in cutaneous biology, from protection against UV-induced damage to wound healing and repair. Heat shock proteins have important regulatory roles in the control of apoptosis, regulation of steroid aporeceptors, kinases, and other protein remodelling events. They are also implicated in the control of cell growth, and as such, are potential targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Currently, emphasis is being placed on the potential use of these proteins in the prevention and treatment of disease. Therapeutic manipulation of these proteins may ultimately lead to novel treatments for diseases as diverse as melanoma to epidermolysis bullosa.