HSC70, also known as HSPA8, is a member of the heat shock protein family. It is homologous to other heat shock proteins. The heat shock protein 70 family is comprised of both heat-inducible and constitutively expressed members. The latter are called heat-shock cognate proteins. HSPA8 belongs to the heat-shock cognate subgroup. Members of the human heat-shock protein multigene family have several highly conserved proteins with structural and functional properties in common but vary in the extent of their inducibility in response to metabolic stress. HSPA8 is constitutively expressed and performs functions related to normal cellular processes. This protein binds to nascent polypeptides to facilitate correct protein folding. It also functions as an ATPase in the disassembly of clathrin-coated vesicles during the transport of membrane components through the cell.