Inducible HSP72 protein as a marker of neuronal vulnerability in brain research: A potential biomarker for clinical psychiatry?

The aim of this review is to analyze the potential of the inducible form of 70-kDa heat shock protein (i.e. HSP72) as a biomarker for neuropsychiatric diseases, focusing on both animal and clinical studies. We first discuss findings from animal studies where HSP72 has already revealed its reliability as a sensitive marker of neuronal vulnerability, especially research investigating NMDAR antagonists-induced neurotoxicity, cerebral ischemia, epilepsy, behavioral stress, and effects of psychoactive and/or addictive substances. Next, we summarized human studies providing evidence for the involvement of HSP72 in the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders like major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we discuss potential future research approaches needed to further investigate and possibly validate HSP72 as a biomarker in clinical psychiatry.