NCIt definition : Genes that encode cytoplasmic proteins of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes that bind
to nascent or unfolded polypeptides and ensure correct folding or transport. Chaperone
proteins do not covalently bind to their targets and do not form part of the finished
product. Heat-shock proteins are an important sub set of chaperones. Three major families
are recognised, the chaperonins (groEL and hsp60), the hsp70 family and the hsp90
family. Outside these major families are other proteins with similar functions including
nucleoplasmin, secB and T-cell receptor associated protein.;