hsp60 is typically found in the mitochondria and has been found in organelles of endosymbiotic origin. hsp60 monomers form two heptameric rings that bind to the surface of linear proteins and catalyze their folding in an atp dependent process. hsp60 subunits are encoded by nuclear genes and translated into the cytosol. these subunits then move into the mitochondria where they are processed by other hsp60 molecules. several studies have shown how hsp60 proteins must be present in the mitochondria for the synthesis and assembly of additional hsp60 components. there is a direct positive correlation between the presence of hsp60 proteins in the mitochondria and the production of additional hsp60 protein complexes.