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Yang W, Wang H, Li Z, Zhang L, Liu J, Kirchhoff F, Huan C, Zhang W. RPLP1 restricts HIV-1 transcription by disrupting C/EBPβ binding to the LTR. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5290. [PMID: 38906865 PMCID: PMC11192919 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) of HIV-1 infection may provide important insights into mechanisms involved in viral control and pathogenesis. Here, our results suggest that the ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P1 (RPLP1) is expressed at higher levels in LTNPs compared to regular progressors (RPs). Functionally, RPLP1 inhibits transcription of clade B HIV-1 strains by occupying the C/EBPβ binding sites in the viral long terminal repeat (LTR). This interaction requires the α-helixes 2 and 4 domains of RPLP1 and is evaded by HIV-1 group M subtype C and group N, O and P strains that do not require C/EBPβ for transcription. We further demonstrate that HIV-1-induced translocation of RPLP1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus is essential for antiviral activity. Finally, knock-down of RPLP1 promotes reactivation of latent HIV-1 proviruses. Thus, RPLP1 may play a role in the maintenance of HIV-1 latency and resistance to RPLP1 restriction may contribute to the effective spread of clade C HIV-1 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of The Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of The Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhaolong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of The Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
| | - Jianhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, China
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Chen Huan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of The Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of The Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Xue X, Wang J, Fu K, Dai S, Wu R, Peng C, Li Y. The role of miR-155 on liver diseases by modulating immunity, inflammation and tumorigenesis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109775. [PMID: 36753984 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a well-known metabolic organ that can be susceptible to external stimuli to affect its normal physiological function. Worldwide, the morbidity and mortality of liver diseases are skyrocketing every year, causing human health crises. Recently, new approaches such as biotechnology have been introduced to achieve optimal treatment and prognostic management of liver diseases. microRNAs (miRNAs), a kind of small non-coding RNA molecule, have the advantages of biodiversity, wide distribution and numerous members. Among these miRNAs, miR-155 is an important regulator of inflammation, immunity and tumorigenesis. In this review, the PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from 2009 to 2022. After inclusion and exclusion, 64 articles were selected for a systematic review to comprehensively summarize the mechanisms of miR-155 regulating inflammation, immunity and tumorigenesis in liver diseases and liver cancer, covering in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Existing preclinical studies and clinical trials have listed that the up-regulation and down-regulation of miR-155 are significant in alcoholic liver injury, viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, infectious liver injury, liver transplantation and liver cancer. The immune and inflammation effects of miR-155 are manifested by regulating macrophage polarization, NK cell killing, Th17 cell and Th1/Th2 cell differentiation. Additionally, miR-155 is also committed to participating in the cell cycle, invasion and metastasis, immune escape and other processes to promote and intensify the development of liver cancer. In conclusion, miR-155 is not only a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of liver diseases, but also plays a therapeutic role via regulating immunity, inflammation and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Rui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Kar A, Samanta A, Mukherjee S, Barik S, Biswas A. The HBV web: An insight into molecular interactomes between the hepatitis B virus and its host en route to hepatocellular carcinoma. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28436. [PMID: 36573429 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major aetiology associated with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver malignancy. Over the past few decades, direct and indirect mechanisms have been identified in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC which include altered signaling pathways, genome integration, mutation-induced genomic instability, chromosomal deletions and rearrangements. Intertwining of the HBV counterparts with the host cellular factors, though well established, needs to be systemized to understand the dynamics of host-HBV crosstalk and its consequences on HCC progression. Existence of a vast array of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interaction databases has led to the uncoiling of the compendia of genes/gene products associated with these interactions. This review covers the existing knowledge about the HBV-host interplay and brings it down under one canopy emphasizing on the HBV-host interactomics; and thereby highlights new strategies for therapeutic advancements against HBV-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Kar
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhisekh Samanta
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Soumyadeep Mukherjee
- Department of In Vitro Carcinogenesis and Cellular Chemotherapy, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasis Barik
- Department of In Vitro Carcinogenesis and Cellular Chemotherapy, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Avik Biswas
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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4
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus and an important human pathogen. There are an estimated 296 million people in the world that are chronically infected by this virus, and many of them will develop severe liver diseases including hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV is a small DNA virus that replicates via the reverse transcription pathway. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways that govern the replication of HBV and its interactions with host cells. We also discuss viral and non-viral factors that are associated with HBV-induced carcinogenesis and pathogenesis, as well as the role of host immune responses in HBV persistence and liver pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Chuang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kuen-Nan Tsai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jing-Hsiung James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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Khan M, Khan S, Gondal MF, Bibi S, Khan BT, Majid A, Khattak A, Khabir MN, Anwar M, Gul A, Naseem M, Attaullah S. Genetic diversity in enhancer II region of HBV genotype D and its association with advanced liver diseases. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261721. [PMID: 34982798 PMCID: PMC8726477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is one of the most common human infectious agents, and the mutations in its genome may cause chronic hepatitis (CH), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was designed to characterize the enhancer-II (Enh-II) region of X gene in HBV positive patients to assess the association of such mutations with CH, LC, and HCC. Methods HBV positive samples (N = 200) with patients’ demographic and clinical data were collected from different regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The Enh-II region of the HBx gene was sequenced and zanalyzed for polymorphism associated with advanced liver disease. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate potent mutations associated with a risk for LC and HCC. Results HBV Enh-II region sequences analysis revealed 25 different mutations. The highest frequency of mutations S101F (62.2%), A102V/R/G/I (56.25%), M103L/A (68.75%)were found in HCC, followed in LC and CH patients as 57.1%, 42.8%, 28.52% 16%, 15.2% and 18.4% respectively. H94 deletion in the α-box of the Enh-II region, associated with a high risk of HCC was found in half of the HCC patients. This deletion was present in 28.5% of LC and 6.5% of CH patients. Importantly, the high frequency of some notable mutations such as E109A/Y, A110S/K, Y111D/E, and F112L was first time reported in the entire study population. The frequencies of these mutations were high in HCC (43.75%, 37.5%, 50% and 43.75% respectively) as compared to LC (14.28%, 14.28%, 28.2% and 42.8%) and CH patients (12.8%, 15.2%, 16.8% and 16% respectively). Conclusion Mutations associated with LC and HCC are prevalent in the Enh-II region in Pakistani HBV isolates. The mutations found are alarming in CH patients as these may progress to LC and HCC in a large number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sanaullah Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Safia Bibi
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology Kohat, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Bakht Tarin Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Department of Zoology, University of Buner, Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Majid
- Rural Health Centre Barki, District Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Khattak
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Nasir Khabir
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Anwar
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Aisha Gul
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Naseem
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Attaullah
- Department of Zoology, Islamia College Peshawar University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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MafF Is an Antiviral Host Factor That Suppresses Transcription from Hepatitis B Virus Core Promoter. J Virol 2021; 95:e0076721. [PMID: 33980595 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00767-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a stealth virus that exhibits only minimal induction of the interferon system, which is required for both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, 90% of acutely infected adults can clear the virus, suggesting the presence of additional mechanisms that facilitate viral clearance. Here, we report that Maf bZIP transcription factor F (MafF) promotes host defense against infection with HBV. Using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) library and an HBV/NanoLuc (NL) reporter virus, we screened to identify anti-HBV host factors. Our data showed that silencing of MafF led to a 6-fold increase in luciferase activity after HBV/NL infection. Overexpression of MafF reduced HBV core promoter transcriptional activity, which was relieved upon mutation of the putative MafF binding region. Loss of MafF expression through CRISPR/Cas9 editing (in HepG2-hNTCP-C4 cells) or siRNA silencing (in primary hepatocytes [PXB cells]) induced HBV core RNA and HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) levels, respectively, after HBV infection. MafF physically binds to the HBV core promoter and competitively inhibits HNF-4α binding to an overlapping sequence in the HBV enhancer II sequence (EnhII), as seen by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis. MafF expression was induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) treatment in both HepG2 and PXB cells, in an NF-κB-dependent manner. Consistently, MafF expression levels were significantly enhanced and positively correlated with the levels of these cytokines in patients with chronic HBV infection, especially in the immune clearance phase. IMPORTANCE HBV is a leading cause of chronic liver diseases, infecting about 250 million people worldwide. HBV has developed strategies to escape interferon-dependent innate immune responses. Therefore, the identification of other anti-HBV mechanisms is important for understanding HBV pathogenesis and developing anti-HBV strategies. MafF was shown to suppress transcription from the HBV core promoter, leading to significant suppression of the HBV life cycle. Furthermore, MafF expression was induced in chronic HBV patients and in primary human hepatocytes (PXB cells). This induction correlated with the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α). These data suggest that the induction of MafF contributes to the host's antiviral defense by suppressing transcription from selected viral promoters. Our data shed light on a novel role for MafF as an anti-HBV host restriction factor.
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Haraguchi M, Miuma S, Yamamoto K, Nakao Y, Ichikawa T, Kanda Y, Sasaki R, Fukushima M, Akazawa Y, Miyaaki H, Nakao K. Geranylgeranylacetone decreases the production of hepatitis B virus-related antigen by comprehensive downregulation of mRNA transcription activity. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:1979-1987. [PMID: 33393671 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is infrequently achieved with current therapies. Therefore, more effective anti-HBV therapy is needed. We previously reported that geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) showed anti-hepatitis C virus activity in human hepatoma cells. In this study, we examined the anti-HBV activity of GGA. METHODS We used HepG2.2.15.7 cells, PXB cells infected with HBV, Huh7 cells transfected with linear HBV, and PLC/PRF/5 cells as HBV-infected hepatocyte models. After GGA treatment, HBV-related antigen was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. HBV-related mRNA was examined by Northern blot. cccDNA and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The activities of HBV promoters and enhancer regions were examined using luciferase vectors. RESULTS After GGA treatment, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen secretion was decreased in all HBV-infected hepatocyte models. HBV-related mRNA was also decreased by GGA treatment, although cccDNA levels were not affected. Additionally, the activity of HBV S1 and S2 promoter region and Enhancer 1/Enhancer 2/core promoter region was reduced by GGA treatment. The mRNA expression of the main transcription factors, hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 and 4 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, was also decreased. Further, the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were increased by GGA treatment, which reflected the change in HBV-related antigen secretion. CONCLUSIONS Geranylgeranylacetone treatment reduces HBV-related protein levels by suppressing comprehensive downregulation of HBV promoter and enhancer activity, which might be caused by decreased hepatic transcription factor expression. GGA treatment may enhance anti-HBV effects in combination with other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Haraguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamamoto
- Biomedical Research Support Center, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tatsuki Ichikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center City Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuko Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ryu Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masanori Fukushima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuko Akazawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Miyaaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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8
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Tsukuda S, Watashi K. Hepatitis B virus biology and life cycle. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104925. [PMID: 32866519 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) specifically infects hepatocytes and causes severe liver diseases. The HBV life cycle is unique in that the genomic DNA (relaxed-circular partially double-stranded DNA: rcDNA) is converted to a molecular template DNA (covalently closed circular DNA: cccDNA) to amplify a viral RNA intermediate, which is then reverse-transcribed back to viral DNA. The highly stable characteristics of cccDNA result in chronic infection and a poor rate of cure. This complex life cycle of HBV offers a variety of targets to develop antiviral agents. We provide here an update on the current knowledge of HBV biology and its life cycle, which may help to identify new antiviral targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senko Tsukuda
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan; Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; MIRAI, JST, Saitama, Japan.
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9
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Li X, Liu H, Cheng W, Wang J, Zhang H, Lu F, Chen X, Lin W. Junceellolide B, a novel inhibitor of Hepatitis B virus. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115603. [PMID: 32690259 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
HBV infection is a common cause of liver disease with a high burden worldwide. Current therapeutic strategy relies on interferon and nucleos(t)ide-type drugs with the limitation of functional cure. In this study, a structure-based screening of marine natural products from an in-house library was performed to hit HBV inhibitors, and the gorgonian-derived briarane-type diterpenoids showed inhibitory effects against HBV DNA replication in HepAD38 cells. Preliminary analyses of structure-activity relationship demonstrated that a briarane-based scaffold with an 3E,5(16)-diene and a chlorine-substitution at C-6 is required for the anti-HBV activity. Junceellolide B is one of the potent HBV inhibitors exhibiting efficient reduction of HBsAg and HBeAg production in HBV infected HepG2-NTCP cells with a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). It also significantly reduced the secreted HBV DNA, HBV RNA, and HBeAg in HepAD38 cells with the EC50 values of 0.83, 2.87 and 7.75 μM, respectively. Mechanistically, junceellolide B potently inhibited HBV RNA transcription without promoting HBV RNA degradation. RNA-seq analysis indicated that junceellolide B significantly decreased HBV cccDNA-transcripted products accompanying stable down-regulation of the expression of RNA polymerase II related host transcription factors (ZBED6 and ZBTB7B). These findings suggest junceellolide B to be a transcription inhibitor of cccDNA and a promising lead for the development of new anti-HBV agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Wei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - He Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China.
| | - Wenhan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China; Institute of Ocean Research, Peking University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
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10
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Yang X, Cai W, Sun X, Bi Y, Zeng C, Zhao X, Zhou Q, Xu T, Xie Q, Sun P, Zhou X. Defined host factors support HBV infection in non-hepatic 293T cells. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:2507-2518. [PMID: 31930674 PMCID: PMC7028854 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human hepatotropic virus. However, HBV infection also occurs at extrahepatic sites, but the relevant host factors required for HBV infection in non-hepatic cells are only partially understood. In this article, a non-hepatic cell culture model is constructed by exogenous expression of four host genes (NTCP, HNF4α, RXRα and PPARα) in human non-hepatic 293T cells. This cell culture model supports HBV entry, transcription and replication, as evidenced by the detection of HBV pgRNA, HBV cccDNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, HBcAg and HBVDNA. Our results suggest that the above cellular factors may play a key role in HBV infection of non-hepatic cells. This model will facilitate the identification of host genes that support extrahepatic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Yang
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Medical Research CenterSun Yat‐Sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Weiwen Cai
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Xiaoyue Sun
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Yanwei Bi
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Chui Zeng
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - XiaoYu Zhao
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Qi Zhou
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Tian Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Qingdong Xie
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Pingnan Sun
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Stem Cell Research CenterShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- The Center for Reproductive MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular ImmunopathologyShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
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11
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Tao S, Pan S, Gu C, Wei L, Kang N, Xie Y, Liu J. Characterization and engineering of broadly reactive monoclonal antibody against hepatitis B virus X protein that blocks its interaction with DDB1. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20323. [PMID: 31889135 PMCID: PMC6937242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) plays diverse roles in both viral life cycle and HBV-related carcinogenesis. Its interaction with DNA damage-binding protein 1 (DDB1) was shown to be essential for engendering cellular conditions favorable for optimal viral transcription and replication. Previously, we described a mouse monoclonal antibody against HBx (anti-HBx 2A7) recognizing HBx encoded by representative strains from 7 of 8 known HBV genotypes. In this work, we further characterized 2A7 in order to explore its potential usefulness in HBx-targeting applications. We demonstrated that 2A7 recognizes a linear epitope mapped to L89PKVLHKR96 on HBx, a segment that is highly conserved across genotypes and coincidentally overlaps with the DDB1-interacting segment. HBx-DDB1 binding could be inhibited by 2A7 in vitro, suggesting therapeutic potential. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of 2A7 were then obtained, which allowed construction of recombinant antibody and single chain variable fragments (scFv). 2A7-derived recombinant antibody and scFv recapitulate 2A7's HBx-binding capacity and epitope specificity. We also reported preliminary results using cell-penetrating peptide for delivering 2A7 antibody across cell membrane to target intracellular HBx. Anti-HBx 2A7 and 2A7-derived scFv characterized here may give rise to novel HBx-targeting diagnostics and therapeutics for HBV- and HBx-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Tao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaokun Pan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjian Gu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Wei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Kang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Oropeza CE, Tarnow G, Sridhar A, Taha TY, Shalaby RE, McLachlan A. The Regulation of HBV Transcription and Replication. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1179:39-69. [PMID: 31741333 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9151-4_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major human pathogen lacking a reliable curative therapy. Current therapeutics target the viral reverse transcriptase/DNA polymerase to inhibit viral replication but generally fail to resolve chronic HBV infections. Due to the limited coding potential of the HBV genome, alternative approaches for the treatment of chronic infections are desperately needed. An alternative approach to the development of antiviral therapeutics is to target cellular gene products that are critical to the viral life cycle. As transcription of the viral genome is an essential step in the viral life cycle, the selective inhibition of viral RNA synthesis is a possible approach for the development of additional therapeutic modalities that might be used in combination with currently available therapies. To address this possibility, a molecular understanding of the relationship between viral transcription and replication is required. The first step is to identify the transcription factors that are the most critical in controlling the levels of HBV RNA synthesis and to determine their in vivo role in viral biosynthesis. Mapping studies in cell culture utilizing reporter gene constructs permitted the identification of both ubiquitous and liver-enriched transcription factors capable of modulating transcription from the four HBV promoters. However, it was challenging to determine their relative importance for viral biosynthesis in the available human hepatoma replication systems. This technical limitation was addressed, in part, by the development of non-hepatoma HBV replication systems where viral biosynthesis was dependent on complementation with exogenously expressed transcription factors. These systems revealed the importance of specific nuclear receptors and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3)/forkhead box A (FoxA) transcription factors for HBV biosynthesis. Furthermore, using the HBV transgenic mouse model of chronic viral infection, the importance of various nuclear receptors and FoxA isoforms could be established in vivo. The availability of this combination of systems now permits a rational approach toward the development of selective host transcription factor inhibitors. This might permit the development of a new class of therapeutics to aid in the treatment and resolution of chronic HBV infections, which currently affects approximately 1 in 30 individuals worldwide and kills up to a million people annually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia E Oropeza
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Grant Tarnow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abhayavarshini Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Taha Y Taha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rasha E Shalaby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt, Egypt
| | - Alan McLachlan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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13
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Mohd-Ismail NK, Lim Z, Gunaratne J, Tan YJ. Mapping the Interactions of HBV cccDNA with Host Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174276. [PMID: 31480501 PMCID: PMC6747236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem affecting about 300 million people globally. Although successful administration of a prophylactic vaccine has reduced new infections, a cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is still unavailable. Current anti-HBV therapies slow down disease progression but are not curative as they cannot eliminate or permanently silence HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). The cccDNA minichromosome persists in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes where it forms the template for all viral transcription. Interactions between host factors and cccDNA are crucial for its formation, stability, and transcriptional activity. Here, we summarize the reported interactions between HBV cccDNA and various host factors and their implications on HBV replication. While the virus hijacks certain cellular processes to complete its life cycle, there are also host factors that restrict HBV infection. Therefore, we review both positive and negative regulation of HBV cccDNA by host factors and the use of small molecule drugs or sequence-specific nucleases to target these interactions or cccDNA directly. We also discuss several reporter-based surrogate systems that mimic cccDNA biology which can be used for drug library screening of cccDNA-targeting compounds as well as identification of cccDNA-related targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur K Mohd-Ismail
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System (NUHS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Zijie Lim
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System (NUHS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Jayantha Gunaratne
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Yee-Joo Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System (NUHS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore.
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14
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Mechanisms involved in the activation of C/EBPα by small activating RNA in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2019; 38:3446-3457. [PMID: 30643190 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0665-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally accompanied by high mortality and low cure rate. CCAAT enhancer-binding proteins (CEBPs) are transcriptional regulators that play a key role in maintaining liver function. Altered expression of C/EBPα and C/EBPβ occurs in many tumours including HCC. saRNAs are small double-stranded RNAs that enhance target gene expression at the transcriptional level. In this report, we activate CEPBA with saRNAs and suppress CEBPB with siRNAs in cells that represent three different degrees of HCC. We performed functional assays to investigate the effects of enhancing C/EBPα and its downstream targets, p21 and albumin across these lines. We also used Mass-spectrometry (MS) subsequent to a ChIP pull-down assay to characterise the components of the protein complex involved in regulating saRNA function. Putative saRNA interacting protein candidates that were identified by MS were knocked-down with siRNAs to investigate its impact on saRNA activity. We confirmed CEBPA-saRNA decreased proliferation and migration in the differentiated lines (HepG3/Hep3B). The undifferentiated line (PLCPRF5) showed saRNA-induced increase in CEBPA but with no loss in proliferation. This effect was reversed when CEBPB was suppressed with CEBPB-siRNA. When interrogating saRNA mode of action; three saRNA interacting proteins, CTR9, HnRNPA2/B1 and DDX5 were identified by MS. Targeted knock-down of these two proteins (by siRNA) abrogated saRNA activity. This study provides insight into how different HCC lines are affected by CEBPA-saRNAs and that endogenous abundance of CEBPB and saRNA accessory proteins may dictate efficacy of CEBPA-saRNA when used in a therapeutic context.
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15
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Meier-Stephenson V, Bremner WTR, Dalton CS, van Marle G, Coffin CS, Patel TR. Comprehensive Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Promoter Region Mutations. Viruses 2018; 10:E603. [PMID: 30388827 PMCID: PMC6265984 DOI: 10.3390/v10110603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 250 million people are infected chronically with hepatitis B virus (HBV), the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. HBV persists, due, in part, to its compact, stable minichromosome, the covalently-closed, circular DNA (cccDNA), which resides in the hepatocytes' nuclei. Current therapies target downstream replication products, however, a true virological cure will require targeting the cccDNA. Finding targets on such a small, compact genome is challenging. For HBV, to remain replication-competent, it needs to maintain nucleotide fidelity in key regions, such as the promoter regions, to ensure that it can continue to utilize the necessary host proteins. HBVdb (HBV database) is a repository of HBV sequences spanning all genotypes (A⁻H) amplified from clinical samples, and hence implying an extensive collection of replication-competent viruses. Here, we analyzed the HBV sequences from HBVdb using bioinformatics tools to comprehensively assess the HBV core and X promoter regions amongst the nearly 70,000 HBV sequences for highly-conserved nucleotides and variant frequencies. Notably, there is a high degree of nucleotide conservation within specific segments of these promoter regions highlighting their importance in potential host protein-viral interactions and thus the virus' viability. Such findings may have key implications for designing antivirals to target these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Meier-Stephenson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Alberta RNA Research & Training Institute, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - William T R Bremner
- Department of Ecosystem & Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Chimone S Dalton
- Department of Ecosystem & Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Guido van Marle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Alberta RNA Research & Training Institute, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada.
- DiscoveryLab, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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16
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Mitra B, Thapa RJ, Guo H, Block TM. Host functions used by hepatitis B virus to complete its life cycle: Implications for developing host-targeting agents to treat chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2018; 158:185-198. [PMID: 30145242 PMCID: PMC6193490 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Similar to other mammalian viruses, the life cycle of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is heavily dependent upon and regulated by cellular (host) functions. These cellular functions can be generally placed in to two categories: (a) intrinsic host restriction factors and innate defenses, which must be evaded or repressed by the virus; and (b) gene products that provide functions necessary for the virus to complete its life cycle. Some of these functions may apply to all viruses, but some may be specific to HBV. In certain cases, the virus may depend upon the host function much more than does the host itself. Knowing which host functions regulate the different steps of a virus' life cycle, can lead to new antiviral targets and help in developing novel treatment strategies, in addition to improving a fundamental understanding of viral pathogenesis. Therefore, in this review we will discuss known host factors which influence key steps of HBV life cycle, and further elucidate therapeutic interventions targeting host-HBV interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Mitra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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17
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Sagnelli E, Potenza N, Onorato L, Sagnelli C, Coppola N, Russo A. Micro-RNAs in hepatitis B virus-related chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2018; 10:558-570. [PMID: 30310534 PMCID: PMC6177563 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v10.i9.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by affecting both the stability and translation of complementary mRNAs. Several studies have shown that miRNAs are important regulators in the conflicting efforts between the virus (to manipulate the host for its successful propagation) and the host (to inhibit the virus), culminating in either the elimination of the virus or its persistence. An increasing number of studies report a role of miRNAs in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and pathogenesis. In fact, HBV is able to modulate different host miRNAs, particularly through the transcriptional transactivator HBx protein and, conversely, different cellular miRNAs can regulate HBV gene expression and replication by a direct binding to HBV transcripts or indirectly targeting host factors. The present review will discuss the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HBV-related diseases and their role as a biomarker in the management of patients with HBV-related disease and as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelista Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80135, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- DISTABIF, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples 80100, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Onorato
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80135, Italy
| | - Caterina Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80135, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples 80135, Italy
| | - Aniello Russo
- DISTABIF, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples 80100, Italy
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18
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Zhong Y, Liu DL, Ahmed MMM, Li PH, Zhou XL, Xie QD, Xu XQ, Han TT, Hou ZW, Huang JH, Xu L, Huang TH. Transcription and regulation of hepatitis B virus genes in host sperm cells. Asian J Androl 2018; 20:284-289. [PMID: 29111540 PMCID: PMC5952484 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_46_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether transcription of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene occurs in human sperm, total RNA was extracted from sperm of patients with chronic HBV infection (test-1), from donor sperm transfected with a plasmid containing the full-length HBV genome (test-2), and from nontransfected donor sperm (control), used as the template for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive bands for HBV DNA were observed in the test groups but not in the control. Next, to identify the role of host genes in regulating viral gene transcription in sperm, total RNA was extracted from 2-cell embryos derived from hamster oocytes fertilized in vitro by HBV-transfected (test) or nontransfected (control) human sperm and successively subjected to SMART-PCR, suppression subtractive hybridization, T/A cloning, bacterial amplification, microarray hybridization, sequencing and the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search to isolate differentially expressed genes. Twenty-nine sequences showing significant identity to five human gene families were identified, with chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 2 (CSH2), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2), pterin-4 alpha-carbinolamine dehydratase 2 (PCBD2), pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 4 (PSG4) and titin (TTN) selected to represent target genes. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), when CSH2 and PCBD2 (or EIF4G2, PSG4 and TTN) were silenced by RNA interference, transcriptional levels of HBV s and x genes significantly decreased (or increased) (P < 0.05). Silencing of a control gene in sperm did not significantly change transcription of HBV s and x genes (P > 0.05). This study provides the first experimental evidence that transcription of HBV genes occurs in human sperm and is regulated by host genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhong
- Department of Genetics, Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Dong-Ling Liu
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Mohamed Morsi M Ahmed
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Peng-Hao Li
- Department of Genetics, Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Zhou
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Qing-Dong Xie
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Xu
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ting-Ting Han
- Department of Genetics, Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Hou
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ji-Hua Huang
- Department of Genetics, Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Lan Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Tian-Hua Huang
- Department of Genetics, Chengdu Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Chengdu 610066, China
- Correspondence: Dr. TH Huang ()
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19
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Hensel KO, Rendon JC, Navas MC, Rots MG, Postberg J. Virus-host interplay in hepatitis B virus infection and epigenetic treatment strategies. FEBS J 2017; 284:3550-3572. [PMID: 28457020 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem and no cure exists. Importantly, hepatocyte intrusion by HBV particles results in a complex deregulation of both viral and host cellular genetic and epigenetic processes. Among the attempts to develop novel therapeutic approaches against HBV infection, several options targeting the epigenomic regulation of HBV replication are gaining attention. These include the experimental treatment with 'epidrugs'. Moreover, as a targeted approach, the principle of 'epigenetic editing' recently is being exploited to control viral replication. Silencing of HBV by specific rewriting of epigenetic marks might diminish viral replication, viremia, and infectivity, eventually controlling the disease and its complications. Additionally, epigenetic editing can be used as an experimental tool to increase our limited understanding regarding the role of epigenetic modifications in viral infections. Aiming for permanent epigenetic reprogramming of the viral genome without unspecific side effects, this breakthrough may pave the roads for an ambitious technological pursuit: to start designing a curative approach utilizing manipulative molecular therapies for viral infections in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai O Hensel
- HELIOS Medical Centre Wuppertal, Paediatrics Centre, Centre for Clinical & Translational Research (CCTR), Faculty of Health, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Germany
| | - Julio C Rendon
- Epigenetic Editing, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands.,Grupo de Gastrohepatologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellin, Colombia
| | - Maria-Cristina Navas
- Grupo de Gastrohepatologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellin, Colombia
| | - Marianne G Rots
- Epigenetic Editing, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
| | - Jan Postberg
- HELIOS Medical Centre Wuppertal, Paediatrics Centre, Centre for Clinical & Translational Research (CCTR), Faculty of Health, Centre for Biomedical Education & Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Germany
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20
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The SIRT1 inhibitor, nicotinamide, inhibits hepatitis B virus replication in vitro and in vivo. Arch Virol 2015; 161:621-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-015-2712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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21
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Wu Q, Liu Q. HBx truncation mutants differentially modulate SREBP-1a and -1c transcription and HBV replication. Virus Res 2015; 210:46-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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22
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Sarkar N, Panigrahi R, Pal A, Biswas A, Singh SP, Kar SK, Bandopadhyay M, Das D, Saha D, Kanda T, Sugiyama M, Chakrabarti S, Banerjee A, Chakravarty R. Expression of microRNA-155 correlates positively with the expression of Toll-like receptor 7 and modulates hepatitis B virus via C/EBP-β in hepatocytes. J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:817-27. [PMID: 25720442 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Effective recognition of viral infection and successive activation of antiviral innate immune responses are vital for host antiviral defence, which largely depends on multiple regulators, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and microRNAs. Several early reports suggest that specific TLR-mediated immune responses can control hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and express differentially with disease outcome. Considering the versatile function of miR-155 in the TLR-mediated innate immune response, we aimed to study the association between miR-155 and TLRs and their subsequent impact on HBV replication using both a HBV-replicating stable cell line (HepG2.2.15) and HBV-infected liver biopsy and serum samples. Our results showed that miR-155 was suppressed during HBV infection and a subsequent positive correlation of miR-155 with TLR7 activation was noted. Further, ectopic expression of miR-155 in vitro reduced HBV load as evidenced from reduced viral DNA, mRNA and subsequently reduced level of secreted viral antigens (HBsAg and HBeAg). Our results further suggested that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β), a positive regulator of HBV transcription, was inhibited by miR-155. Taken together, our study established a correlation between miR-155 and TLR7 during HBV infection and also demonstrated in vitro that increased miR-155 level could help to reduce HBV viral load by targeting C/EBP-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Sarkar
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - R Panigrahi
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - A Pal
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - A Biswas
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - S P Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, India.,Kalinga Gastroenterology Foundation, Beam Diagnostics Premises, Cuttack, India
| | - S K Kar
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, India
| | - M Bandopadhyay
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - D Das
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - D Saha
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - T Kanda
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - M Sugiyama
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM), Ichikawa, Japan
| | - S Chakrabarti
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India.,National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - A Banerjee
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - R Chakravarty
- ICMR Virus Unit, Kolkata, ID & BG Hospital Campus, Kolkata, India
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Chen YF, Chong CL, Wu YC, Wang YL, Tsai KN, Kuo TM, Hong MH, Hu CP, Chen ML, Chou YC, Chang C. Doxorubicin Activates Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Elevation of p21 (Waf1/Cip1) and C/EBPα Expression. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131743. [PMID: 26121644 PMCID: PMC4486450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus reactivation is an important medical issue in cancer patients who undergo systemic chemotherapy. Up to half of CHB carriers receiving chemotherapy develop hepatitis and among these cases a notable proportion are associated with HBV reactivation. However, the molecular mechanism(s) through which various chemotherapeutic agents induce HBV reactivation is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of the cell cycle regulator p21 (Waf1/Cip1) in the modulation of HBV replication when a common chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin, is present. We showed that p21 expression was increased by doxorubicin treatment. This elevation in p21 expression enhanced the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα); such an increase is likely to promote the binding of C/EBPα to the HBV promoter, which will contribute to the activation of HBV replication. Our current study thus reveals the mechanism underlying doxorubicin modulation of HBV replication and provides an increased understanding of HBV reactivation in CHB patients who are receiving systemic chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fang Chen
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Liew Chong
- Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern University College, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Yi-Chieh Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Wang
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Nan Tsai
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tzer-Min Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsiang Hong
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Po Hu
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Liang Chen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Chou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chungming Chang
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
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24
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Kitab B, Alj HS, Ezzikouri S, Benjelloun S. MicroRNAs as Important Players in Host-hepatitis B Virus Interactions. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2015; 3:149-61. [PMID: 26357642 PMCID: PMC4548348 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2015.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major public health problem, causes acute and chronic hepatitis that is often complicated by liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenic mechanisms of HBV-related liver disease are not well understood, and the current licensed therapies are not effective in permanently clearing virus from the circulation. In recent years, the role of micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in HBV infection has attracted great interest. Cellular miRNAs can influence HBV replication directly by binding to HBV transcripts and indirectly by targeting cellular factors relevant to the HBV life cycle. They are also involved in the regulation of cellular genes and signaling pathways that have critical roles in HBV pathogenesis. HBV infection, in turn, can trigger changes in cellular miRNA expression that are associated with distinctive miRNA expression profiles depending on the phase of liver disease. These alterations in miRNA expression have been linked to disease progression and hepatocarcinogenesis. We provide here an up to date review regarding the field of miRNAs and HBV interplay and highlight the potential utility of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the management of HBV-related liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Kitab
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hanane Salih Alj
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, University Hassan II Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Soumaya Benjelloun
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Correspondence to: Soumaya Benjelloun, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco. Tel: +212‐527‐016‐076; +212‐522‐434‐450, Fax: +212‐522‐260‐957, E‐mail:
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25
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Pondé RAA. Molecular mechanisms underlying HBsAg negativity in occult HBV infection. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 34:1709-31. [PMID: 26105620 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-015-2422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although genomic detection is considered the gold standard test on HBV infection identification, the HBsAg investigation is still the most frequent clinical laboratory request to diagnose HBV infection in activity. However, the non-detection of HBsAg in the bloodstream of chronic or acutely infected individuals has been a phenomenon often observed in clinical practice, despite the high sensitivity and specificity of screening assays standardized commercially and adopted in routine. The expansion of knowledge about the hepatitis B virus biology (replication/life cycle, genetic variability/mutability/heterogeneity), their biochemical and immunological properties (antigenicity and immunogenicity), in turn, has allowed to elucidate some mechanisms that may explain the occurrence of this phenomenon. Therefore, the negativity for HBsAg during the acute or chronic infection course may become a fragile or at least questionable result. This manuscript discusses some mechanisms that could explain the negativity for HBsAg in a serological profile of individuals with HBV infection in activity, or factors that could compromise its detection in the bloodstream during HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A A Pondé
- Laboratory of Human Virology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil,
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26
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Xiang A, Ren F, Lei X, Zhang J, Guo R, Lu Z, Guo Y. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein enhances the transcription activation of CRE via the CRE/CREB/CBP pathway. Antiviral Res 2015; 120:7-15. [PMID: 25936964 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) can bind to the Enhancer I (Enh I) domain and can accumulate with transcription coactivator cAMP response element (CRE). This raises the possibility that HBc may interact with CRE/CREB and regulate CRE transcription activation. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanisms of HBc in regulating CRE transcriptional activation using the HepG2 cell line. Our results showed the following: (1) HBc expression significantly increases HBV CRE transcriptional activation; (2) phosphorylation of the serine residues in the arginine-rich domain (ARD) of HBc protein impacts the function of transcriptional activation by the CRE; (3) HBc protein significantly increases HBV CRE transcriptional activation following forskolin treatment; (4) HBc nonspecifically binds to CRE and enhances the binding of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) to CRE; and (5) HBc increases the concurrent accumulation of CREB and CBP at the CRE region. HBc activates Enh I through its binding to CRE, increasing the concurrent accumulation of CREB/CBP on CRE, and thus increases CRE transcriptional activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Xiang
- School of Pharmacology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Fengling Ren
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xiaoying Lei
- School of Pharmacology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ju Zhang
- School of Pharmacology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ruijuan Guo
- School of Pharmacology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zifan Lu
- School of Pharmacology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yanhai Guo
- School of Pharmacology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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27
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Xie KL, Zhang YG, Liu J, Zeng Y, Wu H. MicroRNAs associated with HBV infection and HBV-related HCC. Theranostics 2014; 4:1176-92. [PMID: 25285167 PMCID: PMC4183996 DOI: 10.7150/thno.8715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global problem and a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). microRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a group of small noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression at the posttranslational level, thereby participating in fundamental biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the roles of miRNAs in HBV infection, the recently identified mechanism underlying dysregulation of miRNAs in HBV-associated HCC, and their association with hepatocarcinogenesis. Moreover, we discuss the recent advances in the use of circulating miRNAs in the early diagnosis of HCC as well as therapies based on these aberrantly expressed miRNAs.
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28
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Abstract
During hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, at least four antigen-antibody systems are observed: HBsAg and anti-HBs; preS antigen and anti-preS antibody; HBcAg and anti-HBc; and HBeAg and anti-HBe. Through the examination of these antigen-antibody systems, hepatitis B infection is diagnosed and the course of the disorder may be observed. Although the serologic findings that allow both the diagnosis of HBV infection as well as assessing of its clinical course are already well established, the dynamics of viral proteins expression and of the antibodies production may vary during the infection natural course. This causes the HBV infection to be occasionally associated with the presence of uncommon serological profiles, which could lead to doubts in the interpretation of results or suspicion of a serological result being incorrect. This paper is dedicated to the discussion of some of these profiles and their significance.
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29
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Hsieh YJ, Chen FD, Ke CC, Wang HE, Huang CJ, Hou MF, Lin KP, Gelovani JG, Liu RS. The EIIAPA chimeric promoter for tumor specific gene therapy of hepatoma. Mol Imaging Biol 2012; 14:452-61. [PMID: 21796480 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-011-0509-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE For targeted imaging and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we established a chimeric promoter (EIIAPA) containing alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter and hepatitis B virus enhancer II (EIIA) to control downstream expression of reporter and therapeutic genes. PROCEDURES We combined AFP promoter and EIIA to establish a chimeric EIIAPA promoter, then developed a bi-cistronic plasmid vector containing HSV1-tk and luciferase genes controlled by EIIAPA to stably transfect HCC cells. The selective transcriptional activity of EIIAPA was assayed by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and the function of EIIAPA was determined by in vivo microPET and BLI. RESULTS The luciferase expression driven by EIIAPA was higher than that driven by AFP promoter in HCC cell lines. EIIAPA-tk induced cytotoxicity was observed only in HepG2 cells. Accumulation of ¹³¹I-FIAU and bioluminescent signal were detected on HepG2 tumors but not in parental tumors. The HepG2 tumors derived from lentiviral-transduced EIIAPA-tk expressing cells accumulated ¹²⁴I-FIAU whereas the ARO tumors did not. The transfected HepG2 tumors expressed adequate EIIAPA-controlled HSV1-TK and the tumor regressed after ganciclovir treatment. CONCLUSION The chimeric EIIAPA is a potential candidate promoter for targeted imaging and gene therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ju Hsieh
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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30
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Nawa T, Ishida H, Tatsumi T, Li W, Shimizu S, Kodama T, Hikita H, Hosui A, Miyagi T, Kanto T, Hiramatsu N, Hayashi N, Takehara T. Interferon-α suppresses hepatitis B virus enhancer II activity via the protein kinase C pathway. Virology 2012; 432:452-9. [PMID: 22832122 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
HBV has two enhancer (En) regions each of which promotes its own transcription. En II regulates production of pregenomic RNA, a key product of HBV replication, more strongly than En I. Although IFN-α has been found to suppress En I activity, its effect on En II activity has not been examined. Here we used luciferase assay to demonstrate that IFN-α suppresses En II activity. Analysis with several deletion/mutation constructs identified two major segments, nt 1703-1727 and nt 1746-1770, within the En II sequence as being responsible for the suppressive effects of IFN-α. Pre-treatment with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors blocked this effect regardless of the expression levels of phospho-STAT1 and Mx upon IFN-α stimulation. These results indicate that IFN-α suppresses En II activity via the PKC pathway, which may be an alternative suppressive pathway for HBV replication. (136 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Takatoshi Nawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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31
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Liu WH, Yeh SH, Chen PJ. Role of microRNAs in hepatitis B virus replication and pathogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2011; 1809:678-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2011] [Revised: 04/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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32
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Skelton M, Kew MC, Kramvis A. Distinct mutant hepatitis B virus genomes, with alterations in all four open reading frames, in a single South African hepatocellular carcinoma patient. Virus Res 2011; 163:59-65. [PMID: 21889961 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2011.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sequence variation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) can influence the replication, antigen expression and pathogenicity of the virus. We report on the mutational analysis of HBV performed in a 28-year-old Black South African female diagnosed with HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Full-genome amplification and DNA sequencing of HBV was carried out. Five distinct complete genomic clones were described with extensive genomic and intragenic variation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all five clones belonged to subgenotype A1 and that there were at least four virus populations with genomes of different lengths ranging from 3194 to 3253 base pairs. In this particular patient, four major characteristic features, not previously reported to occur simultaneously in HBV isolated from a single patient, were observed. Firstly, all the clones harboured a 13 base pair deletion and a 45 base pair insertion in the basic core promoter (BCP). Secondly, a 37 base pair insertion in the core gene with three adjacent single nucleotide deletions were observed. Thirdly, premature S gene stop codons were observed in some clones and lastly X gene initiation codon mutations were also observed. The complex nature of the mutations in the HBV isolated from this single patient may have contributed to the early onset of hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Skelton
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Programme (formerly MRC/CANSA/University Molecular Hepatology Research Unit), Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
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33
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Zhou J, Tan T, Tian Y, Zheng B, Ou JHJ, Huang EJ, Yen TB. Krüppel-like factor 15 activates hepatitis B virus gene expression and replication. Hepatology 2011; 54:109-21. [PMID: 21503941 PMCID: PMC3125411 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small DNA virus that requires cellular transcription factors for the expression of its genes. To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate HBV gene expression, we conducted a yeast one-hybrid screen to identify novel cellular transcription factors that may control HBV gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), a liver-enriched transcription factor, can robustly activate HBV surface and core promoters. Mutations in the putative KLF15 binding site in the HBV core promoter abolished the ability of KLF15 to activate the core promoter in luciferase assays. Furthermore, the overexpression of KLF15 stimulated the expression of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and the core protein and enhanced viral replication. Conversely, small interfering RNA knockdown of the endogenous KLF15 in Huh7 cells resulted in a reduction in HBV surface- and core-promoter activities. In electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, KLF15 binds to DNA probes derived from the core promoter and the surface promoter. Introduction of an expression vector for KLF15 short hairpin RNA, together with the HBV genome into the mouse liver using hydrodynamic injection, resulted in a significant reduction in viral gene expression and DNA replication. Additionally, mutations in the KLF15 response element in the HBV core promoter significantly reduced viral DNA levels in the mouse serum. CONCLUSION KLF15 is a novel transcriptional activator for HBV core and surface promoters. It is possible that KLF15 may serve as a potential therapeutic target to reduce HBV gene expression and viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco,Pathology Service 113B, VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121
| | - Thomas Tan
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco,Pathology Service 113B, VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121
| | - Yongjun Tian
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Bojian Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - J.-H. James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Eric J. Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco,Pathology Service 113B, VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121,Correspondence to: Dr. Eric J. Huang, Dept of Pathology, UCSF & Pathology Service 113B, VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121. Tel: 415-476-1946, Fax: 415-750-6947,
| | - T.S. Benedict Yen
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco,Pathology Service 113B, VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121
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34
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Bar-Yishay I, Shaul Y, Shlomai A. Hepatocyte metabolic signalling pathways and regulation of hepatitis B virus expression. Liver Int 2011; 31:282-90. [PMID: 21281428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02423.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small DNA virus responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The liver, which is the main target organ for HBV infection, provides the virus with the machinery necessary for persistent infection and propagation, a process that might ultimately lead to severe liver pathologies such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. HBV gene expression is regulated mainly at the transcriptional level by recruitment of a whole set of cellular transcription factors (TFs) and co-activators to support transcription. Over the years, many of these TFs were identified and interestingly enough most are associated with the body's nutritional state. These include the hepatocyte nuclear factors, forkhead Box O1, Farnesoid X receptor, cyclic-AMP response element-binding (CREB), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) and glucocorticoid receptor TFs and the transcription coactivator PPARγ coactivator-1α. Consequently, HBV gene expression is linked to hepatic metabolic processes such as glucose and fat production and utilization as well as bile acids' production and secretion. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that HBV actively interferes with some of these hepatic metabolic processes by manipulating key TFs, such as CREB and C/EBP, to meet its requirements. The discovery of the mechanisms by which HBV is controlled by the hepatic metabolic milieu may broaden our understanding of the unique regulation of HBV expression and may also explain the mechanisms by which HBV induces liver pathologies. The emerging principle of the intimate link between HBV and liver metabolism can be further exploited for host-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iddo Bar-Yishay
- The Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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35
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is tightly controlled by a number of noncytotoxic mechanisms. This control occurs within the host hepatocyte at different steps of the HBV replication cycle. HBV persists by establishing a nuclear minichromosome, HBV cccDNA, serving as a transcription template for the viral pregenome and viral mRNAs. Nucleoside/nucleotide analogues widely used for antiviral therapy as well as most antiviral cytokines act at steps after transcription of HBV RNAs and thus can control virus replication but do not directly affect its gene expression. Control of HBV at the level of transcription in contrast is able to restrict both, HBV replication and gene expression. In the review, we focus on how HBV is controlled at the level of transcription. We discuss how the composition of transcription factors determines HBV gene expression and replication and how this may be influenced by antivirally active substances, e.g. the cytokine IL-6 or helioxanthin analogues, or by the differentiation state of the hepatocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Quasdorff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Cologne, Germany
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36
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is tightly controlled by a number of noncytotoxic mechanisms. This control occurs within the host hepatocyte at different steps of the HBV replication cycle. HBV persists by establishing a nuclear minichromosome, HBV cccDNA, serving as a transcription template for the viral pregenome and viral mRNAs. Nucleoside/nucleotide analogues widely used for antiviral therapy as well as most antiviral cytokines act at steps after transcription of HBV RNAs and thus can control virus replication but do not directly affect its gene expression. Control of HBV at the level of transcription in contrast is able to restrict both, HBV replication and gene expression. In the review, we focus on how HBV is controlled at the level of transcription. We discuss how the composition of transcription factors determines HBV gene expression and replication and how this may be influenced by antivirally active substances, e.g. the cytokine IL-6 or helioxanthin analogues, or by the differentiation state of the hepatocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Quasdorff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Cologne, Germany
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37
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Chen WN, Chen JY, Lin WS, Lin JY, Lin X. Hepatitis B doubly spliced protein, generated by a 2.2 kb doubly spliced hepatitis B virus RNA, is a pleiotropic activator protein mediating its effects via activator protein-1- and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-binding sites. J Gen Virol 2010; 91:2592-600. [PMID: 20538904 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.022517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2.2 kb doubly spliced defective hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome is frequently detected in the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, the biological significance of this type of defective genome is not well understood. In this study, expression of the hepatitis B doubly spliced protein (HBDSP) was confirmed from the 2.2 kb doubly spliced defective HBV genome, which was isolated and transfected into Huh-7 hepatoma cells. To explore the potential pathogenicity of HBDSP, hepatocellular proteins interacting with HBDSP were screened by a yeast two-hybrid assay. Unexpectedly, HBDSP could transactivate the GAL4-responsive element, and deletion mapping revealed that the fragment located between residues Leu-48 and Gln-75 of HBDSP was crucial for transactivation activity. In Huh-7 hepatoma cells, HBDSP localized predominantly to the cytoplasm and showed transactivating effects on the cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter, simian virus 40 enhancer/promoter and HBV regulatory elements including the S1 promoter, S2 promoter, Enhancer I and core upstream regulatory sequences. Further studies revealed that the transactivating activities were mediated by activator protein-1- and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-binding sites. These findings suggest that HBDSP is a pleiotropic activator protein that can potentially serve as an HBV virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Nan Chen
- Key Laboratory of tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian, PR China
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38
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Pondé RADA. The underlying mechanisms for the "isolated positivity for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)" serological profile. Med Microbiol Immunol 2010; 200:13-22. [PMID: 20458499 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-010-0160-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During HBV infection, four structural antigen/antibody systems are observed: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its antibody (anti-HBs); the pre-S antigens associated with HBsAg particles and their antibodies; the particulate nucleocapsid antigen (HBcAg) and anti-HBc; and an antigen structurally related to HBcAg, namely HBeAg and its antibody (anti-HBe). Through the examination of this antigen-antibodies system, hepatitis B infection is diagnosed and the course of the disorder may be observed. Isolated HBsAg seropositivity is a peculiar serological pattern in HBV infection observed some times in routine laboratory. In most cases is not clear how this profile should be interpreted neither its significance. This pattern, however, may be associated with some clinical and laboratorial situations of great relevance, some of which will be addressed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robério Amorim de Almeida Pondé
- Laboratório de Virologia Humana, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-Goiás, Brazil.
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39
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Wakui Y, Inoue J, Ueno Y, Fukushima K, Kondo Y, Kakazu E, Obara N, Kimura O, Shimosegawa T. Inhibitory effect on hepatitis B virus in vitro by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ ligand, rosiglitazone. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 396:508-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.04.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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40
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Chen CH, Changchien CS, Lee CM, Tung WC, Hung CH, Hu TH, Wang JH, Wang JC, Lu SN. A study on sequence variations in pre-S/surface, X and enhancer II/core promoter/precore regions of occult hepatitis B virus in non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma patients in Taiwan. Int J Cancer 2009; 125:621-9. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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41
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Quasdorff M, Hösel M, Odenthal M, Zedler U, Bohne F, Gripon P, Dienes HP, Drebber U, Stippel D, Goeser T, Protzer U. A concerted action of HNF4α and HNF1α links hepatitis B virus replication to hepatocyte differentiation. Cell Microbiol 2008; 10:1478-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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42
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Wang RYL, Shen CN, Lin MH, Tosh D, Shih C. Hepatocyte-like cells transdifferentiated from a pancreatic origin can support replication of hepatitis B virus. J Virol 2005; 79:13116-28. [PMID: 16189013 PMCID: PMC1235835 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.20.13116-13128.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2005] [Accepted: 07/26/2005] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a rat pancreatic cell line (AR42J-B13) was shown to transdifferentiate to hepatocyte-like cells upon induction with dexamethasone (Dex). The aim of this study is to determine whether transdifferentiated hepatocytes can indeed function like bona fide liver cells and support replication of hepatotropic hepatitis B virus (HBV). We stably transfected AR42J-B13 cells with HBV DNA and examined the expression of hepatocyte markers and viral activities in control and transdifferentiated cells. A full spectrum of HBV replicative intermediates, including covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and Dane particles, were detected only after induction with Dex and oncostatin M. Strikingly, the small envelope protein and RNA of HBV were increased by 40- to 100-fold upon induction. When HBV RNAs were examined by primer extension analysis, novel core- and precore-specific transcripts were induced by Dex which initiated at nucleotide (nt) 1820 and nt 1789, respectively. Most surprisingly, another species of core-specific RNA, which initiates at nt 1825, is always present at almost equal intensity before and after Dex treatment, a result consistent with Northern blot analysis. The fact that HBV core protein is dramatically produced only after transdifferentiation suggests the possibility of both transcriptional and translational regulation of HBV core antigen in HBV-transfected AR42J-B13 cells. Upon withdrawal of Dex, HBV replication and gene expression decreased rapidly-less than 50% of the cccDNA remained detectable in 1.5 days. Our studies demonstrate that the transdifferentiated AR42J-B13 cells can function like bona fide hepatocytes. This system offers a new opportunity for basic research of virus-host interactions and pancreatic transdifferentiation.
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Chang SF, Chang SH, Li BC, Will H, Netter HJ. Characterization of nonconventional hepatitis B viruses lacking the core promoter. Virology 2004; 330:437-46. [PMID: 15567437 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2004.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2004] [Revised: 08/31/2004] [Accepted: 10/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The core gene (C-gene) promoter and regulatory sequences play a central role in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle. They are essential for the synthesis of the pregenomic and precore mRNA. The pregenomic RNA is the template required for replication and also the template for the synthesis of the core protein and polymerase. Here, we report the in vivo existence and functional characterization of HBV variants that lack the C-gene promoter region and the regulatory sequences located therein. HBV promoter fragments were isolated by PCR from sera of chronic carriers and characterized. Truncated promoter elements were identified, and then tested in the context of wild-type genomes in the HuH-7 cell line. The expression of the recombinant HBV genome resulted in the synthesis of surface proteins, and low level of core protein as well as a transcript pattern similar to, but smaller in size to wild-type virus. The recombinant HBV genome with the truncated promoter region produced pregenomic RNA-like transcripts. These transcripts were encapsidated and reverse transcribed when complemented by sufficient core and polymerase protein. These date provide an explanation as to why such deletion mutants of HBV can be produced at all, they highlight the functional potentials of viral sequences activated by mutations and may be of relevance for viral evolution and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shau-Feng Chang
- Heinrich-Pette-Institut für experimentelle Virologie und Immunologie an der Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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44
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N/A. N/A. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2003; 11:1006-1008. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v11.i7.1006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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45
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Zinckgraf JW, Silbart LK. Modulating gene expression using DNA vaccines with different 3'-UTRs influences antibody titer, seroconversion and cytokine profiles. Vaccine 2003; 21:1640-9. [PMID: 12639485 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(02)00740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To determine if modulating the amount of foreign antigen produced by a DNA vaccine can influence the overall intensity and cytokine polarization of the ensuing immune response, three different plasmids, each encoding the hepatitis B (HB) surface antigen, were constructed. In each construct, HBs gene expression was driven by the cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter, but differed in the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) containing the polyadenylation sequence. These 3'-UTR sequences were derived from either the hepatitis B virus (HBVpA), bovine growth hormone (BGHpA), or rabbit beta-globin (betapA). BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with equimolar amounts of each plasmid and blood was collected bi-weekly. Following immunization, total IgG titers correlated with in vitro antigen production levels (from transfected CHO cells), as evidenced by the following response pattern: HBVpA>BGHpA>>betapA. All groups demonstrated a heavy bias toward a Th1 immune response, as evidenced by high serum IgG2a/IgG1 ratios and the predominance of IFN-gamma over IL-4 secretion from cultured splenocytes. In addition, the HBVpA construct resulted in a seroconversion rate of 100%, in comparison to 40-50% in the BGHpA, and 0% in the betapA group. Surprisingly, splenocytes isolated from mice immunized with the betapA construct secreted the highest levels of IFN-gamma. Taken together, these findings suggest that altering the level of gene expression not only affects the overall titer and seroconversion rates of vaccinated animals, but also may play a role in modulating cytokine profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Zinckgraf
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Uprichard SL, Wieland SF, Althage A, Chisari FV. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional control of hepatitis B virus gene expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:1310-5. [PMID: 12552098 PMCID: PMC298769 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.252773599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects humans and certain nonhuman primates. Viral clearance and acute disease are associated with a strong, polyclonal, multispecific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response. Infiltrating T cells, as well as other activated inflammatory cells, produce cytokines that can regulate hepatocellular gene expression. Using an HBV transgenic mouse model, our laboratory has previously demonstrated that adoptive transfer of HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes or injection of IL-2 can noncytopathically inhibit HBV gene expression by a posttranscriptional IFN-gamma- and/or tumor necrosis factor alpha-dependent mechanism. Here, we report that HBV gene expression can also be controlled at the posttranscriptional level during persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. In contrast, it is controlled at the transcriptional level during acute murine cytomegalovirus infection or after repetitive polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid injection. Finally, we show that transcriptional inhibition of HBV is associated with changes in liver-specific gene expression. These results elucidate pathways that regulate the viral life cycle and suggest additional approaches for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Uprichard
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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47
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Tang H, McLachlan A. Mechanisms of inhibition of nuclear hormone receptor-dependent hepatitis B virus replication by hepatocyte nuclear factor 3beta. J Virol 2002; 76:8572-81. [PMID: 12163577 PMCID: PMC136416 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.76.17.8572-8581.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear hormone receptors hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) and the retinoid X alpha (RXRalpha) plus the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) heterodimer support hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in nonhepatoma cells. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3) inhibits nuclear hormone receptor-mediated viral replication. Inhibition of HBV replication by HNF3beta is associated with the preferential reduction in the level of the pregenomic RNA compared with that of precore RNA. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), encoded by the precore RNA, mediates part of the inhibition of viral replication by HNF3beta. The amino-terminal transcriptional activation domain of HNF3beta is essential for the inhibition of HBV replication. The activation of transcription by HNF3 from HBV promoters downstream from the nucleocapsid promoter appears to contribute indirectly to the reduction in the steady-state level of 3.5-kb HBV RNA, possibly by interfering with the elongation rate of these transcripts. Therefore, transcriptional interference mediated by HNF3 may also regulate HBV RNA synthesis and viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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48
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is at the origin of severe liver diseases like chronic active hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There are some groups of patients with high risk of generation of HBV mutants: infected infants, immunosuppressed individuals (including hemodialysis patients), patients treated with interferon and lamivudine for chronic HBV infection. These groups are the target for molecular investigations reviewed in this paper. The emergence of lamivudine- or other antiviral-resistant variants, rises concern regarding long term use of these drugs. Infection or immunization with one HBV subtype confers immunity to all subtypes. However, reinfection or reactivation of latent HBV infection with HBV mutants have been reported in patients undergoing transplant and those infected with HIV. Mutations of the viral genome which are not replicative incompetent can be selected in further course of infection or under prolonged antiviral treatment and might maintain the liver disease. Four open reading frames (ORF) which are called S-gene, C-gene, X-gene and P-gene were identified within the HBV genome. Mutations may affect each of the ORFs. Mutated S-genes were described to be responsible for HBV-infections in successfully vaccinated persons, mutated C-genes were found to provoke severe chronic liver diseases, mutated X-genes could cause serious medical problems in blood donors by escaping the conventional test systems and mutated P-genes were considered to be the reason for chemotherapeutic drug resistance. This paper reviews molecular, immunological and clinical aspects of the HBV mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kreutz
- International Technology for Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacology, Paris, France.
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49
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Tang H, Raney AK, McLachlan A. Replication of the wild type and a natural hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid promoter variant is differentially regulated by nuclear hormone receptors in cell culture. J Virol 2001; 75:8937-48. [PMID: 11533157 PMCID: PMC114462 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.75.19.8937-8948.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A natural hepatitis B virus (HBV) variant associated with seroconversion from HBeAg to anti-HBe antibody contains two nucleotide substitutions (A1764T and G1766A) in the proximal nuclear hormone receptor binding site in the nucleocapsid promoter. These nucleotide substitutions prevent the binding of the retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR alpha)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) heterodimer without greatly altering the efficiency of binding of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) to this recognition sequence. In addition, these nucleotide substitutions create a new binding site for HNF1. Analysis of HBV transcription and replication in nonhepatoma cells indicates that RXR alpha-PPAR alpha heterodimers support higher levels of pregenomic RNA transcription from the wild-type than from the variant nucleocapsid promoter, producing higher levels of wild-type than of variant replication intermediates. In contrast, HNF4 supports higher levels of pregenomic RNA transcription from the variant than from the wild-type nucleocapsid promoter, producing higher levels of variant than of wild-type replication intermediates. HNF1 can support variant virus replication at a low level but is unable to support replication of the wild-type HBV genome. These observations indicate that the replication of wild-type and variant viruses can be differentially regulated by the liver-specific transcription factors that bind to the proximal nuclear hormone receptor binding site of the nucleocapsid promoter. Differential regulation of viral replication may be important in the selection of specific viral variants as a result of an antiviral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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50
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Li J, Ou JH. Differential regulation of hepatitis B virus gene expression by the Sp1 transcription factor. J Virol 2001; 75:8400-6. [PMID: 11507185 PMCID: PMC115085 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.75.18.8400-8406.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genes is regulated by a number of transcription factors. One such factor, Sp1, has two binding sites in the core promoter and one in its upstream regulatory element, which is also known as the ENII enhancer. In this study, we have analyzed the effects of these three Sp1 binding sites on the expression of HBV genes. Our results indicate that both Sp1 binding sites in the core promoter are important for the transcription of the core RNA and the precore RNA. Moreover, while the downstream Sp1 site (the Sp1-1 site) in the core promoter did not affect the transcription of the S gene and the X gene, the upstream Sp1 site (the Sp1-2 site) in the core promoter was found to negatively regulate the transcription of the S gene and the X gene, as removal of the latter led to enhancement of transcription of these two genes. The Sp1 binding site in the ENII enhancer (the Sp1-3 site) positively regulates the expression of all of the HBV genes, as its removal by mutation suppressed the expression of all of the HBV genes. However, the suppressive effect of the Sp1-3 site mutation on the expression of the S gene and the X gene was abolished if the two Sp1 sites in the core promoter were also mutated. These results indicate that Sp1 can serve both as a positive regulator and as a negative regulator for the expression of HBV genes. This dual activity may be important for the differential regulation of HBV gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Li
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
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