Inhibition of hepatic stellate cell proliferation by heat shock protein 90 inhibitors in vitro

Mol Cell Biochem. 2009 Oct;330(1-2):181-5. doi: 10.1007/s11010-009-0131-4. Epub 2009 May 3.

Abstract

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an important role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is essential for the maturation and activity of a varied group of proteins involved in signal transduction and cell cycle regulation. In this study, we found that two Hsp90 inhibitors, VER-49009 and its analog VER-49009M, inhibited the proliferation of hepatic stellate cell line CFSC cells, and both of them induced G2 phase arrest in CFSC cells. Akt expression was decreased by the treatment of Hsp90 inhibitors in CFSC cells. Based on these findings, we propose that the inhibition of Hsp90 might be a rational approach in the prevention of liver fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • G2 Phase / drug effects
  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / cytology*
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / prevention & control
  • Pyrazoles / pharmacology
  • Rats

Substances

  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Pyrazoles
  • VER-49009