HSP27 acts via phosphorylation by PKD1 to suppress ASK1 cell death signaling. Following ischemia, PKD1 is phosphorylated (activated), but without HSP27, fails to suppress ASK1 activity and leads to cell death. In the presence of HSP27, endogenously activated PKD1 phosphorylates HSP27, which can then suppress the activity of ASK1, leading to cell survival.