Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is an essential pillar for correct cellular function. Impairments in proteostasis are encountered both in aging and in several human disease conditions. Molecular chaperones are important players for proteostasis; in particular, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) has an essential role in protein folding, disaggregation, and degradation. We have recently proposed a model for Hsp70 functioning as a "multiple socket". In the model, Hsp70 provides a physical platform for the binding of client proteins, other chaperones, and cochaperones. The final fate of the client protein is dictated by the set of Hsp70 interactions that occur in a given cellular context. Obtaining structural information of the different Hsp70-based protein complexes will provide valuable knowledge to understand the functional mechanisms behind the master role of Hsp70 in proteostasis. We additionally evaluate some of the challenges for attaining high-resolution structures of such complexes.
Keywords: Hsp70; Protein homeostasis; cryoelectron microscopy; proteostasis; structural biology.