A2 Refereed review article in a scientific journal

Functional interplay between heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and heat shock factors (HSFs)




AuthorsChakraborty, Abir; Sistonen, Lea; Roos-Mattjus, Pia

Publication year2026

Journal: Cell Stress and Chaperones

Article number100177

Volume31

Issue3

ISSN1355-8145

eISSN1466-1268

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstres.2026.100177

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstres.2026.100177

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523035733

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY NC ND

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

Maintenance of protein homeostasis, also known as proteostasis, is essential for cellular survival under both basal and stress conditions. Proteostasis relies on a coordinated action between molecular chaperones, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs), and stress-responsive transcription factors. HSP90 is an abundant and functionally central ATP-dependent chaperone that supports the stability and function of a great variety of client proteins, while specific members of the heat shock factor (HSF) family orchestrate transcriptional programs in cells exposed to proteotoxic stress. According to the established chaperone titration model, HSP90, together with other chaperones, represses the master regulator HSF1 by maintaining it in an inactive monomeric state. Emerging evidence, however, indicates that also other HSFs, especially HSF2, can form a complex with HSP90 and contribute to constitutive and stress-inducible HSP gene regulation, thereby expanding the HSF1-centric view of the chaperone titration model. This review discusses the current understanding of the HSP90-HSF interplay and highlights the recent advances in targeting HSP90 for therapeutic purposes. Together, these insights underscore the HSP90-HSF axis as a regulatory hub of proteostasis in health and disease.


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Funding information in the publication
The work in our laboratories is funded by the Research Council of Finland, Sigrid Juslius Foundation, Cancer Foundation Finland, Medicinska Understödsföreningen Liv och Hlsa, and Åbo Akademi University.


Last updated on 27/04/2026 12:50:13 PM