Progress in research on insect small heat shock proteins
Author of the article:LU Ming-Xing** XU Jing DU Yu-Zhou***
Author's Workplace：School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
Key Words：insect, small heat shock proteins, development, temperature stress, diapause
Abstract：Insect small heat shock proteins are an infrequently studied part of the superfamily of heat shock proteins. This article summarizes the latest research on these proteins and also discusses prospects for further research on their functions and possible applications. Current research demonstrates that insect small heat shock proteins are the most poorly conserved family of insect heat shock proteins. However, they usually have a conserved α-crystallin domain, a small molecular mass of 12-43 ku, and act as molecular chaperones. All insects possess many kinds of small heat shock proteins with diverse functions that play important roles in insects’ development, reproduction and diapause. They also have a strong influence on insects’ ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions and adaptive evolution. With further in-depth research, more and more insect small heat shock proteins and their functions will be identified.