中文摘要：

小分子热休克蛋白（small heat shock protein,sHsp）是相对分子质量介于12～43 kDa的热休克蛋白家族成员,广泛存在于生物体内。根据相关报道,该类蛋白在组成上都含有α-晶状体蛋白结构域（α-crystalline domain,ACD）、N端臂和C端延伸结构。sHsp是生命体中一种重要的分子伴侣,对蛋白质的变性过程有很强的保护作用。生物体中sHsp的生物状态发生改变会引起机体发生病变,而sHsp的正常存在则可以延缓细胞衰老,并降低细胞凋亡率。现综述有关sHsp在细胞凋亡中的控制作用,以及与其相关的神经退行性疾病、癌症、白内障等多种病变的发病机制,以期为相关研究提供参考。

英文摘要：

The small heat shock protein（s Hsp）, 12～43 k Da, is a member of the heat shock proteins. s Hsps have been widely found in all organisms. The present researches revealed that nearly all s Hsps have an α-crystalline domain（ACD）, a N-terminal arm and a C-terminal extension structure. s Hsps are important molecular chaperones protecting the denaturation of proteins. In humans, any abnormal changes in the structure of s Hsp is tending to cause disorders, while the present of normal s Hsps can retard cell senescence and reduce cell apoptosis. This article reviewed the recent researches on effect of s Hsps on cell apoptosis and the relationship with the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and cataract, as well as the related mechanisms.