1
|
Khan S, Anwer A, Sevak JK, Trehanpati N, Kazim SN. Cytokines Expression Compared to the Determinants of Cellular Apoptosis Prominently Attributes to the Deleterious Effects of 'A' Determinant Surface Gene Mutations in HBV Transfected Hepatoma Cell Line. Immunol Invest 2024; 53:224-240. [PMID: 38095846 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2288841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have explored the role of AKT protein in anti-apoptotic/proliferative activities. However, there has been a lack of information regarding the role of Akt in association with cytokines expression in HBV-related (wild type HBV and HBV with mutations of 'a' determinant region) studies either in the case of HBV infection or in transfected hepatoma cells. The present study tries to determine the role of Akt and cytokines expression in the presence of small surface gene mutants in the hepatoma cell line. METHODS Mutations of 'a' determinant region, viz. sA128V and sG145R, were created in wild-type pHBV1.3 by site-directed mutagenesis and transfected in hepatoma cell line. Secretory levels of HBsAg in the wild type as well as in both the mutants were analyzed by ELISA. Apoptotic analysis of transfected cells was studied by flow cytometry. Expression analysis of Akt and cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IFN-gamma) was done by qPCR. RESULTS The presence of significantly more alive cells in sG145R than sA128V transfected cells may be due to the up-regulation of the Akt gene expression. Cytokines expression was nearly similar between sA128V and wild-type pHBV1.3 transfected cells. Presence of sG145R showed dramatically high cytokines expression than sA128V and wild-type pHBV1.3. CONCLUSION Cytokines expression predominantly contributes to the detrimental effects associated with the 'a' determinant region mutations particularly sG145R mutant. It may also be inferred that mechanisms associated with cellular apoptosis apparently do not play any major role to assign the 'a' determinant small surface gene mutation(s) for their pathological outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saniya Khan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Ayesha Anwer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Jayesh Kumar Sevak
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nirupama Trehanpati
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Syed Naqui Kazim
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Magri A, Harris JM, D'Arienzo V, Minisini R, Jühling F, Wing PAC, Rapetti R, Leutner M, Testoni B, Baumert TF, Zoulim F, Balfe P, Pirisi M, McKeating JA. Inflammatory Gene Expression Associates with Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA- but Not Integrant-Derived Transcripts in HBeAg Negative Disease. Viruses 2022; 14:1070. [PMID: 35632812 PMCID: PMC9146050 DOI: 10.3390/v14051070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem that presents as a spectrum of liver disease, reflecting an interplay between the virus and the host immune system. HBV genomes exist as episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) or chromosomal integrants. The relative contribution of these genomes to the viral transcriptome in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is not well-understood. We developed a qPCR method to estimate the abundance of HBV cccDNA- and integrant-derived viral transcripts and applied this to a cohort of patients diagnosed with CHB in the HBe antigen negative phase of disease. We noted a variable pattern of HBV transcripts from both DNA templates, with preS1/S2 mRNAs predominating and a significant association between increasing age and the expression of integrant-derived mRNAs, but not with inflammatory status. In contrast, cccDNA-derived transcripts were associated with markers of liver inflammation. Analysis of the inflammatory hepatic transcriptome identified 24 genes significantly associated with cccDNA transcriptional activity. Our study uncovers an immune gene signature that associates with HBV cccDNA transcription and increases our understanding of viral persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Magri
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - James M Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | | | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Frank Jühling
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, University of Strasbourg and Inserm, UMR_S1110, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Peter A C Wing
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4BH, UK
| | - Rachele Rapetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Monica Leutner
- Department of Diagnostic Services and Supportive Therapies, ASL Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, 28887 Omegna, Italy
| | - Barbara Testoni
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, University of Strasbourg and Inserm, UMR_S1110, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle Hépato-Digestif, Institut Hopitalo-Universitaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Peter Balfe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4BH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Salarnia F, Behboudi E, Shahramian I, Moradi A. Novel X gene point mutations in chronic hepatitis B and HBV related cirrhotic patients. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 97:105186. [PMID: 34920100 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HBx is a multifunctional modulator viral protein with key roles in various biological processes such as signal transduction, transcription, proliferation, and cell apoptosis. Also, HBx has an important role in the progression of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to determine mutations in X gene, enhancer II (EnhII), and basal core promoter (BCP) of genotype D of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in cirrhotic and chronic HBV patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed on 68 cases with chronic HBV (cHBV) and 50 cases with HBV related cirrhosis. Serum samples were obtained for genomic DNA extraction. Semi-nested PCR was used to amplify the HBx region. Point mutations in the HBx region were detected by sequencing. RESULT Novel mutations were detected, including C1491G, C1500T, G1613T, and G1658T in the N-terminal of the X gene. The frequency of C1481T/G1479A, T1498C, C1500T, G1512A, A1635T, C1678T, A1727T, and A1762T/ G1764A/ C1773T was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients compared to chronically HBV infected ones. A higher rate of A1635T, C1678T, A1727T, A1762T, G1764A, and C1773T was observed in cirrhotic patients. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that the frequency of mutations in the basal-core promoter, enhancer II, and regulatory region of the HBx gene was more seen in cirrhotic patients than in chronic HBV cases. Novel mutations were detected in the HBx gene, causing amino acid substitutions; however, the clinical impact of these novel mutations is yet to be cleared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Salarnia
- Department of Microbiology, Torbat Jam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran
| | - Emad Behboudi
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Iraj Shahramian
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Abdolvahab Moradi
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jiang X, Chang L, Yan Y, Wang L. Paradoxical HBsAg and anti-HBs coexistence among Chronic HBV Infections: Causes and Consequences. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1125-1137. [PMID: 33867835 PMCID: PMC8040313 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.55724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were reported simultaneously among Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. HBsAg is a specific indicator of acute or chronic HBV infections, while anti-HBs is a protective antibody reflecting the recovery and immunity of hosts. HBsAg and anti-HBs coexist during seroconversion and then form immune complex, which is rare detected in clinical cases. However, with the promotion of vaccination and the application of various antiviral drugs, along with the rapid development of medical technology, the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs has become more prevalent. Mutations in the viral genomes, immune status and genetic factors of hosts may contribute to the coexistence. Novel HBsAg assays, with higher sensitivity and ability to detect mutations or immune complexes, can also yield HBsAg/anti-HBs coexistence. The discovery of coexistence has shattered the idea of traditional serological patterns and raised questions about the effectiveness of vaccines. Worth noting is that HBsAg/anti-HBs double positivity is strongly associated with progressive liver diseases, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, viral mutations, host factors, and methodology impacts can all lead to the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. This coexistence is not an indicator of improvement, as an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes still exists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jiang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lau KCK, Joshi SS, Mahoney DJ, Mason AL, van Marle G, Osiowy C, Coffin CS. Differences in HBV Replication, APOBEC3 Family Expression, and Inflammatory Cytokine Levels Between Wild-Type HBV and Pre-core (G1896A) or Basal Core Promoter (A1762T/G1764A) Mutants. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1653. [PMID: 32760388 PMCID: PMC7372132 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) world-wide. HBV variants, particularly the G1896A pre-core (PC) and A1762T/G1764A basal core promoter (BCP) mutations, are established risk factors for cirrhosis and HCC, but the molecular biological basis is unclear. We hypothesized that these variants result in differential HBV replication, APOBEC3 family expression, and cytokine/chemokine expression. Methods HepG2 cells were transfected with monomeric full-length containing wild-type, PC, or BCP HBV. Cells and supernatant were collected to analyze viral infection markers (i.e., HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, and RNA). Cellular APOBEC3 expression and activity was assessed by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR, immunoblot, differential DNA denaturation PCR, and sequencing. Cytokine/chemokines in the supernatant and in serum from 11 CHB carriers (4 non-cirrhotic; 7 cirrhotic and/or HCC) with predominantly wild-type, PC, or BCP variants were evaluated by Luminex. Results HBeAg expression was reduced in PC and BCP variants, and higher supernatant HBV DNA and HBV RNA levels were found with A1762T/G1764A vs. G1896A mutant (p < 0.05). Increased APOBEC3G protein levels in wild-type vs. mutant were not associated with HBV covalently closed circular DNA G-to-A hypermutations. Differences in cytokine/chemokine expression in culture supernatants, especially IL-13 were observed amongst the variants analyzed. Noticeable increases of numerous cytokines/chemokines, including IL-4 and IL-8, were observed in ex vivo serum collected from CHB carriers with PC mutant. Conclusion HBV sequence variation leads to differences in HBV protein production (HBeAg) and viral replication in addition to altered host innate antiviral restriction factor (APOBEC3) and cytokine/chemokine expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith C K Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shivali S Joshi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew L Mason
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Guido van Marle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carla Osiowy
- Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mehmankhah M, Bhat R, Anvar MS, Ali S, Alam A, Farooqui A, Amir F, Anwer A, Khan S, Azmi I, Ali R, Ishrat R, Hassan MI, Minuchehr Z, Kazim SN. Structure-Guided Approach to Identify Potential Inhibitors of Large Envelope Protein to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Infection. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:1297484. [PMID: 31772697 PMCID: PMC6854180 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1297484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, which can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of HBV envelope proteins is crucial in viral morphogenesis, infection, and propagation. Thus, blocking the pleiotropic functions of these proteins especially the PreS1 and PreS2 domains of the large surface protein (LHBs) is a promising strategy for designing efficient antivirals against HBV infection. Unfortunately, the structure of the LHBs protein has not been elucidated yet, and it seems that any structure-based drug discovery is critically dependent on this. To find effective inhibitors of LHBs, we have modeled and validated its three-dimensional structure and subsequently performed a virtual high-throughput screening against the ZINC database using RASPD and ParDOCK tools. We have identified four compounds, ZINC11882026, ZINC19741044, ZINC00653293, and ZINC15000762, showing appreciable binding affinity with the LHBs protein. The drug likeness was further validated using ADME screening and toxicity analysis. Interestingly, three of the four compounds showed the formation of hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues lying in the capsid binding region of the PreS1 domain of LHBs, suggesting the possibility of inhibiting the viral assembly and maturation process. The identification of potential lead molecules will help to discover more potent inhibitors with significant antiviral activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Mehmankhah
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ruchika Bhat
- Department of Chemistry & School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Mohammad Sabery Anvar
- Systems Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahnawaz Ali
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Aftab Alam
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Anam Farooqui
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Fatima Amir
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ayesha Anwer
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Saniya Khan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Iqbal Azmi
- Multidisciplinary Center for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Rafat Ali
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Romana Ishrat
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Zarrin Minuchehr
- Systems Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Syed Naqui Kazim
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salpini R, Surdo M, Cortese MF, Palumbo GA, Carioti L, Cappiello G, Spanò A, Trimoulet P, Fleury H, Vecchiet J, Pasquazzi C, Mirabelli C, Scutari R, Sacco A, Alkhatib M, Missale G, Francioso S, Sarmati L, Andreoni M, Angelico M, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Levrero M, Perno CF, Belloni L, Svicher V. The novel HBx mutation F30V correlates with hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo, reduces hepatitis B virus replicative efficiency and enhances anti-apoptotic activity of HBx N terminus in vitro. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 25:906.e1-906.e7. [PMID: 30472417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate HBx genetic elements correlated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) -related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their impact on (a) HBV replicative efficiency, (b) HBx binding to circular covalently closed DNA (cccDNA), (c) apoptosis and cell-cycle progression, and (d) HBx structural stability. METHODS This study included 123 individuals chronically infected with HBV: 27 with HCC (77.9% (21/27) genotype D; 22.1% (6/27) genotype A) and 96 without HCC (75% (72/96) genotype D; 25.0% (24/96) genotype A). HepG2 cells were transfected by wild-type or mutated linear HBV genome to assess pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA) and core-associated HBV-DNA levels, HBx-binding onto cccDNA by chromatin immunoprecipitation-based quantitative assay, and rate of apoptosis and cell-cycle progression by cytofluorimetry. RESULTS F30V was the only HBx mutation correlated with HCC (18.5% (5/27) in HCC patients versus 1.0% (1/96) in non-HCC patients, p 0.002); a result confirmed by multivariate analysis. In vitro, F30V determined a 40% and 60% reduction in pgRNA and core-associated HBV-DNA compared with wild-type (p <0.05), in parallel with a significant decrease of HBx binding to cccDNA and decreased HBx stability. F30V also decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells compared with wild-type (14.8 ± 6.8% versus 19.1 ± 10.1%, p <0.01, without affecting cell-cycle progression) and increased the probability of HBx-Ser-31 being phosphorylated by PI3K-Akt kinase (known to promote anti-apoptotic activity). CONCLUSIONS F30V was closely correlated with HBV-induced HCC in vivo, reduced HBV replicative efficiency by affecting HBx-binding to cccDNA and increased anti-apoptotic HBx activity in vitro. This suggests that F30V (although hampering HBV's replicative capacity) may promote hepatocyte survival, so potentially allowing persistent production of viral progeny and initiating HBV-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. Investigation of viral genetic markers associated with HCC is crucial to identify those patients at higher risk of HCC, who hence deserve intensive liver monitoring and/or early anti-HBV therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy
| | - M Surdo
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy
| | - M F Cortese
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy; Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G A Palumbo
- Department of Internal Medicine-DMISM, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - L Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy
| | | | - A Spanò
- 'S. Pertini Hospital', Rome, Italy
| | | | - H Fleury
- Hôpital Pellegrin Tripode, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - C Mirabelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy; University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - R Scutari
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy
| | - A Sacco
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy
| | - M Alkhatib
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy
| | | | - S Francioso
- Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - L Sarmati
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Andreoni
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Angelico
- Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - M Levrero
- Department of Internal Medicine-DMISM, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; INSERM U1052 - Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - C F Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy; Haematology and Oncohaematology, University of Milan, Italy
| | - L Belloni
- Department of Internal Medicine-DMISM, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Centre for Life NanoSciences, IIT-Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - V Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata' Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|