Conclusions
The HSF1-Hsp27 signaling pathway is involved in BKPyV infection and cellular replication and its activation, which could be involved in cell transformation.
Methods
BKPyV, isolated from urine samples of infected patients, was used to infect monolayers of Hek293 cells. Subsequently, intracellular redox changes, GSH/GSSH concentration by HPLC, and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production were monitored. Moreover, to understand the signaling pathway underlying the neoplastic transformation, the redox-sensitive HFS1-Hsp27 molecular axis was examined using the flavonoid quercetin and polishort hairpin RNA technologies.
Results
The data obtained show that while BKPyV replication is closely linked to the transcription factor p53, the increase in Hek293 cell proliferation is due to the activation of the signaling pathway mediated by HSF1-Hsp27. In fact, its inhibition blocks viral replication and cell growth, respectively. Conclusions: The HSF1-Hsp27 signaling pathway is involved in BKPyV infection and cellular replication and its activation, which could be involved in cell transformation.