Heat shock protein 47 in renal scarring

Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is a collagen-binding protein, thought to pla y an essential mechanistic role in the assembly and processing of procollag ens, HSP47 is increasingly being implicated in the pathogenesis of several human and experimental fibrotic diseases. HSP47 could mediate increased acc umulation of collagens in the fibrotic mass, possibly by regulating increas ed assembly of procollagens. Therefore, modulation of HSP47 might be a valu able tool for manipulation of some fibrotic diseases, including renal scarr ing Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.