Accepted_test

This pioneering study explores the potential association between "heat-resistant obscure" (Hero) proteins and ischemic stroke (IS) risk. Building on the discovery of Hero proteins' chaperone-like properties and their potential significance in vascular homeostasis and neuroprotection, the research delves into 115 polymorphic variants, including Hero genes, chaperones, co-chaperones, and variants identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Genotyping of 2000 individuals from the Central Russian population, including 1000 IS patients and 1000 controls, uncovered associations between specific SNPs of Hero genes, heat shock proteins, and GWAS genes with IS risk. Gender and environmental factors such as smoking and diet modulated these associations. Intergenic (G×G) and gene-environment (G×E) interactions were explored, with Hero gene variants playing a prominent role, especially in conjunction with GWAS loci. Bioinformatics analysis highlighted the regulatory potential of Hero SNPs. Additionally, differential expression of Hero genes in blood samples between control subjects and IS patients further underscores their potential relevance in IS pathology. Overall, this study presents groundbreaking insights into the role of Hero genes in IS risk, contributing to a deeper understanding of the genetic factors underlying IS susceptibility.