Function
HSPA1L, also known as Heat Shock Protein Family A (Hsp70) Member 1L, is a molecular chaperone involved in a wide range of cellular processes. These include protecting the proteome from stress, facilitating the folding and transport of newly synthesized polypeptides, activating the proteolysis of misfolded proteins, and regulating the formation and dissociation of protein complexes. HSPA1L plays a critical role in the protein quality control system, ensuring proper protein folding, refolding of misfolded proteins, and controlling the targeting of proteins for degradation. This is achieved through cycles of ATP binding, ATP hydrolysis, and ADP release, mediated by co-chaperones. The affinity for polypeptides is regulated by the nucleotide-bound state. In the ATP-bound form, HSPA1L has a low affinity for substrate proteins. However, upon hydrolysis of ATP to ADP, it undergoes a conformational change that increases its affinity for substrate proteins. This process involves repeated cycles of ATP hydrolysis and nucleotide exchange, allowing for cycles of substrate binding and release. HSPA1L is also a positive regulator of PRKN translocation to damaged mitochondria.