Small heat shock protein which functions as a molecular chaperone probably maintaining denatured proteins in a folding-competent state (, ). Plays a role in stress resistance and actin organization . Through its molecular chaperone activity may regulate numerous biological processes including the phosphorylation and the axonal transport of neurofilament proteins .
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Spindle
Cytoplasmic in interphase cells. Colocalizes with mitotic spindles in mitotic cells. Translocates to the nucleus during heat shock and resides in sub-nuclear structures known as SC35 speckles or nuclear splicing speckles.
Detected in all tissues tested: skeletal muscle, heart, aorta, large intestine, small intestine, stomach, esophagus, bladder, adrenal gland, thyroid, pancreas, testis, adipose tissue, kidney, liver, spleen, cerebral cortex, blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Highest levels are found in the heart and in tissues composed of striated and smooth muscle.