Molecular Chaperon DnaK from A Halotolerant Cyanobacterium Aphanothece halopytica

The DnaK/Hsp70 family is a molecular chaperone that has been extensively studied for its ability to assist the refolding and reassembly of a large number of diverse proteins. These protein support in the protection and recovery of cells from the ill effects of stress. DnaK/Hsp70 family is involved in the release, folding, assembly, transport, and aggregation of cellular protein. Recently, three dnaK homologues were found in cyanobacteria. Localization and function of three DnaK proteins from Synechococcus sp PCC 7942 have been discussed (Nimura et al. 1994). Although there is a great deal of interest in DnaK function, the detailed molecular mechanism is incompletely understood.