The HSP 70 family is composed of four highly conserved proteins: HSP 70, HSC 70, GRP 75 and GRP 78. HSP 70 expression is strongly induced in response to heat stress. HSP 70 and HSC 70 play key roles in the cytosolic endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial import machinery and are found in both the cytosol and nucleus of mammalian cells. GRP 78 is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, where it receives imported secretory proteins and is involved in the folding and translocation of nascent peptide chains. GRP 75 expression is restricted to the mitochondrial matrix and aids in the translocation and folding of nascent polypeptide chains of both nuclear and mitochondrial origin. It has been postulated that members of the HSP 70 family act as force-generating motors, relying on the hydrolysis of ATP for their activity