Roles of molecular chaperones in cytoplasmic protein folding

Newly synthesized polypeptide chains must fold and assemble into unique three-dimensional structures in order to become functionally active. In many cases productive folding depends on assistance from molecular chaperones, which act in preventing off-pathway reactions during folding that lead to aggregation. The inherent tendency of incompletely folded polypeptide chains to aggregate is thought to be strongly enhanced in vivo by the high macromolecular concentration of the cellular solution, resulting, in crowding effects, and by the close proximity of nascent polypeptide chains during synthesis on polyribosomes. The major classes of chaperones acting in cytoplasmic protein folding are the Hsp70s and the chaperonins. Hsp70 chaperones shield the hydrophobic regions of nascent and incompletely folded chains, whereas the chaperonins provide a sequestered environment in which folding can proceed unimipaired by intermolecular interactions between non-native polypeptides. These two principles of chaperone action can function in a coordinated manner to ensure the efficiency nt folding of a subset of cytoplasmic proteins.