Heat shock response

The heat shock response is a conserved cellular program triggered by elevated temperature and other proteotoxic stressors. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) activates transcription of heat shock proteins (HSPs) such as HSP70 and HSP90, which act as chaperones to refold or degrade damaged proteins. This pathway supports proteostasis and is hypothesised to mediate hormetic benefits of sauna and exercise; direct human longevity evidence remains preliminary.