Hspb1, also known as heat shock protein beta-1 or Hsp27, is a constitutively expressed small heat shock protein. It regulates numerous fundamental cellular processes and is involved in multiple human pathological conditions [4]. It functions as a negative regulator of ferroptotic cancer cell death and is associated with pathways like NF-κB signaling, which are crucial in cancer development and response to chemotherapy [1,2].

In breast cancer, HSPB1 expression is upregulated and linked to poor prognosis. Knockdown of HSPB1 enhances erastin-induced ferroptosis in cancer cells, indicating its role in protecting cells from this form of cell death [1,2]. In severe acute pancreatitis, Hspb1 knockout (KO) mice show worsened disease, as Hspb1 inhibits apoptosis and ferroptosis in acinar cells. Hspb1 directly interacts with Anxa2 to maintain the antioxidative activity of Prdx1 [3].

In summary, Hspb1 plays essential roles in regulating ferroptosis, cell death, and survival in various disease contexts such as cancer and pancreatitis. Studies using Hspb1 KO mouse models have significantly contributed to understanding its functions in these diseases, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting Hspb1 [1,2,3].