Overexpression of human HSP27 protects sensory neurons from diabetes

► Diabetes mellitus targets sensory neurons prominently, in addition to autonomic and motor neurons. ► Intrinsic neuronal protective mechanisms may prevent manifestations of neuropathy. ► Overexpression of human HSP27 in peripheral neurons of mice prevented loss of sensory epidermal axons. ► Overexpression of human HSP27 also prevented changes in sensation and prevented sensory, but not motor conduction slowing. ► Overexpression of a single gene altered several unique abnormalities of sensory axons in diabetic neuropathy.