HSPA13, also known as STCH, is a member of the heat shock protein 70 family and is found associated with microsomes. Members of this protein family play a role in the processing of cytosolic and secretory proteins, as well as in the removal of denatured or incorrectly-folded proteins. HSPA13 has been found to interact with PLIC-1 and PLIC-2, proteins involved in the signaling connection between the membrane receptors for thrombospondin and the cytoskeleton.