Exploring the Role of Hsp60 in Alzheimer's Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Suggestion for Common Drug Targeting

: Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) is a member of the chaperonin family of heat shock proteins(HSPs), primarily found in the mitochondrial matrix. As a molecular chaperone, Hsp60 playsan essential role in mediating protein folding and assembly, and together with the co-chaperonHsp10, it is thought to maintain protein homeostasis. Recently, it has been found to localize innon-canonical, extra-mitochondrial sites such as cell membranes or extracellular fluids, particularlyin pathological conditions. Starting from its biological function, this review aims to provide acomprehensive understanding of the potential involvement of Hsp60 in Alzheimer's disease (AD)and Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which are known to share impaired key pathways andmolecular dysfunctions. Fragmentary data reported in the literature reveal interesting links betweenthe altered expression level or localization of this chaperonin and several disease conditions. Thepresent work offers an overview of the past and more recent knowledge about Hsp60 and its role inthe most important cellular processes to shed light on neuronal Hsp60 as a potential common targetfor both pathologies. The absence of any effective cure for AD patients makes the identification of anew molecular target a promising path by which to move forward in the development of new drugsand/or repositioning of therapies already used for T2DM.