HSP90β interacts with Rac1 to activate NADPH oxidase in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastric disorders including inflammation. NADPH oxidase has been considered as a major source of ROS in phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells. Small G protein Rac1 is one components of NADPH oxidase complex. Heat shock protein 90 kDa (HSP90) modulates cytokine production in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. The present study aims to investigate the relation of HSP90β and Rac1 on the activation of NADPH oxidase in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. As a result, H. pylori-induced translocation of HSP90β from the cytosol to the membrane and activated Rac1 in gastric epithelial AGS cells. HSP90β physically interacted with Rac1, which resulted in the activation of NADPH oxidase in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. Down-regulation of HSP90β by transfection of HSP90β siRNA suppressed the activation of Rac1, activity of NADPH oxidase and the production of H2O2 in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. In conclusion, H. pylori induces the translocation of HSP90β from the cytosol to the membrane and interaction of HSP90β and Rac1, which leads to the activation of NADPH oxidase and production of ROS in gastric epithelial cells. HSP90β may be the target molecule for treatment of H. pylori-induced gastric injury.