Expression and function of stress (heat shock) proteins in gastrointestinal tract.

This review will focus on gastrointestinal mucosal protection against cytotoxic agents and cellular stress mainly from the viewpoint of expression and function of heat shock proteins, in their role of 'molecular chaperones', as internal cytoprotectants. Also, recently identified target molecules of heat shock protein in damaged gastric mucosal cells are introduced. Elucidation of such stress-responses and repairing process of damaged protein by heat shock proteins in the gastrointestinal mucosa may provide a better understanding for the mechanisms of cytoprotection and cellular repair. In addition, these findings in post-genomic level may provide new strategies for the therapy of gastrointestinal disorders.