In summary, HSF-1 activation by Hsp90 inhibitors was noted in several in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegenerative disease, suggesting Hsp90 inhibition as a means to modulate Hsp levels in the diseased brain, with the goal of protecting against the toxic proteins that arise during the neurodegenerative process. The gene discussed is HSF1; the disease is neurodegenerative disease.