Heat shock proteins in mammalian development

Mammalian development follows a defined but adjustable program, depending on the plasticity of embryonic cells 'response to environmental changes. Heat shock proteins (Hsp) are integral part of this developmental program and gene targeting experiments have started to unravel developmental processes, which exhibit specific requirements for Hsps (e.g. Hsp70.2 for spermatogenesis). In the present paper, we will review available data on Hsp function and discuss the roles of heat shock factors (HSF), their major regulators, in mammalian development. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.