Hspd1, also known as mitochondrial heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), is a mitochondrial chaperone that functions as folding machinery for mitochondrial proteins imported into the mitochondrial matrix space [2]. It has been implicated in multiple biological processes and associated with various diseases, highlighting its overall biological importance. Genetic models could potentially be valuable for further studying its functions.

In osteosarcoma, Hspd1 expression is increased and is associated with a negative prognosis. It promotes the regulation of proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis in osteosarcoma by facilitating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Mechanistically, it interacts with ATP5A1 to reduce its K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation, ultimately activating the AKT/mTOR pathway [1].

In oral squamous cell carcinoma, Hspd1 represses E-cadherin expression, promoting cell invasion and migration, and is associated with poor prognosis [3].

In contrast, in pituitary adenomas, the expression of Hspd1 is significantly lower in invasive ones, and its down-regulation may be related to the invasion process, mitochondria-related pathways, and immune cell regulation, serving as a predictive indicator for identifying invasive pituitary adenomas [4].

In conclusion, Hspd1 plays a crucial role in protein folding within mitochondria. Its dysregulation is associated with various diseases such as osteosarcoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and pituitary adenomas. The study of Hspd1 using genetic models, as hinted in the research, could further reveal its complex functions in these disease conditions, potentially providing new therapeutic targets.