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Zou Y, Chen S, Cui Y, Zou Y. M133S mutation possibly involve in the ER stress and mitophagy pathway in maintenance hemodialysis patients with occult hepatitis B infection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13981. [PMID: 38886481 PMCID: PMC11183135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64943-3] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is characterized by the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of detectable HBsAg. OBI is an important risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Mutations in the HBV preS/S genes can lead to impaired secretion of either HBsAg or S-protein resulting in the accumulation of defective viruses or S protein in cells. In our previous work, the M133S mutation was present in the HBV S gene of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with OBI. In this study, we investigated the potential role of amino acid substitutions in S proteins in S protein production and secretion through the construction of mutant S gene plasmids, structural prediction, transcriptome sequencing analysis, and in vitro functional studies. Protein structure prediction showed that the S protein M133S mutant exhibited hydrophilic modifications, with greater aggregation and accumulation of the entire structure within the membrane phospholipid bilayer. Differential gene enrichment analysis of transcriptome sequencing data showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The expression of heat shock family proteins and ER chaperone molecules was significantly increased in the wild-type and mutant groups, whereas the expression of mitochondria-associated proteins was decreased. Immunofluorescence staining and protein blotting showed that the endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein PDI, the autophagy marker LC3, and the lysosome-associated protein LAMP2 co-localized with the S proteins in the wild-type and mutant strains, and their expression was increased. The mitochondria-associated TOMM20 protein was also co-expressed with the S protein, but expression was significantly reduced in the mutant. The M133S mutation in the S gene is expressed as a defective and misfolded protein that accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum causing secretion-impaired endoplasmic reticulum stress, which in turn triggers mitochondrial autophagy and recruits lysosomes to fuse with the autophagosome, leading to mitochondrial clearance. This study preliminarily demonstrated that the mutation of M133S in the S gene can cause OBI and is associated with disease progression, providing a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of OBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Zou
- Department of Nephrology and Institute of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan Clinical Research Centre for Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Sipei Chen
- Department of Nephrology and Institute of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan Clinical Research Centre for Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiyuan Cui
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yang Zou
- Department of Nephrology and Institute of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan Clinical Research Centre for Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
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Sedohara A, Takahashi K, Arai K, Arizono K, Tuvshinjargal K, Saito M, Nakahara F, Tsutsumi T, Ikeuchi K, Adachi E, Yotsuyanagi H. Characterization of mutations in hepatitis B virus DNA isolated from Japanese HBsAg-positive blood donors in 2021 and 2022. Arch Virol 2024; 169:103. [PMID: 38632180 PMCID: PMC11023964 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-024-06016-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Missense mutations in certain small envelope proteins diminish the efficacy of antibodies. Consequently, tracking the incidence and types of vaccine-escape mutations (VEMs) was crucial both before and after the introduction of universal hepatitis B vaccination in Japan in 2016. In this study, we isolated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA from 58 of 169 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive blood samples from Japanese blood donors and determined the nucleotide sequence encoding the small envelope protein. DNA from six (10%) of the samples had VEMs, but no missense mutations, such as G145R, were detected. Complete HBV genome sequences were obtained from 29 of the 58 samples; the viral genotype was A1 in one (3%), A2 in three (10%), B1 in nine (31%), B2 in five (17%), B4 in one (3%), and C2 in 10 (34%) samples. Tenofovir-resistance mutations were detected in two (7%) samples. In addition, several core promoter mutations, such as 1762A>T and 1764G>A, and a precore nonsense mutation, 1986G>A, which are risk factors for HBV-related chronic liver disease, were detected. These findings provide a baseline for future research and highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring of VEMs and drug resistance mutations in HBV DNA from HBsAg-positive blood donors without HBV antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Sedohara
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazuaki Takahashi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Arai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Arizono
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Khulan Tuvshinjargal
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Saito
- Department of Infectious Disease and Applied Immunology, IMSUT Hospital of The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumio Nakahara
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takeya Tsutsumi
- Department of Infectious Disease and Applied Immunology, IMSUT Hospital of The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ikeuchi
- Department of Infectious Disease and Applied Immunology, IMSUT Hospital of The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Adachi
- Department of Infectious Disease and Applied Immunology, IMSUT Hospital of The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Infectious Disease and Applied Immunology, IMSUT Hospital of The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Hossain MG, Islam M, Araf Y, Paul SK, Akter S, Khan MK, Ahmed MU, Khan S, Akbar SMF, Debnath CR. Comprehensive analysis of antigenic variations and genomic properties of hepatitis B virus in clinical samples in the mid-north east region of Bangladesh. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 119:105572. [PMID: 38367678 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105572] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
This investigation delineates an exhaustive analysis of the clinical, immunological, and genomic landscapes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection across a cohort of 22 verified patients. The demographic analysis unveiled a pronounced male bias (77.27%), with patient ages spanning 20 to 85 years and durations of illness ranging from 10 days to 4 years. Predominant clinical manifestations included fever, fatigue, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, and arthralgia, alongside observed co-morbidities such as chronic renal disorders and hepatocellular carcinoma. Antigenic profiling of the HBV envelope proteins elucidated significant heterogeneity among the infected subjects, particularly highlighted by discordances in the detection capabilities of small and large HBsAg assays, suggesting antigenic diversity. Quantitative assessment of viral loads unveiled a broad spectrum, accompanied by atypical HBeAg reactivity patterns, challenging the reliability of existing serological markers. Correlative studies between viral burden and antigenicity of the envelope proteins unearthed phenomena indicative of diagnostic evasion. Notably, samples demonstrating robust viral replication were paradoxically undetectable by the large HBsAg ELISA kit, advocating for more sophisticated diagnostic methodologies. Genotypic examination of three HBV isolates classified them as genotype D (D2), with phylogenetic alignment to strains from various global origins. Mutational profiling identified pivotal mutations within the basic core promoter and preS2/S1 regions, associated with an augmented risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, mutations discerned in the small HBsAg and RT/overlap regions were recognized as contributors to vaccine and/or diagnostic escape mechanisms. In summation, this scholarly discourse elucidates the intricate interplay of clinical presentations, antigenic diversity, and genomic attributes in HBV infection, accentuating the imperative for ongoing investigative endeavors to refine diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Golzar Hossain
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.
| | - Mahfuz Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Shyamal Kumar Paul
- Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmin Akter
- Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | | | - Muzahed Uddin Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Sakirul Khan
- Research Center for Global and Local Infectious Diseases, Oita University, Oita, Japan; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Research Center for Global and Local Infectious Diseases, Oita University, Oita, Japan; Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan; Miyakawa Memorial Research Foundation, Tokyo, Japan
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Dutta S, Ganguly A, Ghosh Roy S. An Overview of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and Autophagy Pathways in Human Viral Oncogenesis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:81-131. [PMID: 38782502 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) can be regarded as the safe keepers of cells exposed to intense stress. Autophagy maintains cellular homeostasis, ensuring the removal of foreign particles and misfolded macromolecules from the cytoplasm and facilitating the return of the building blocks into the system. On the other hand, UPR serves as a shock response to prolonged stress, especially Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ERS), which also includes the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER. Since one of the many effects of viral infection on the host cell machinery is the hijacking of the host translational system, which leaves in its wake a plethora of misfolded proteins in the ER, it is perhaps not surprising that UPR and autophagy are common occurrences in infected cells, tissues, and patient samples. In this book chapter, we try to emphasize how UPR, and autophagy are significant in infections caused by six major oncolytic viruses-Epstein-Barr (EBV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV-1), and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Here, we document how whole-virus infection or overexpression of individual viral proteins in vitro and in vivo models can regulate the different branches of UPR and the various stages of macro autophagy. As is true with other viral infections, the relationship is complicated because the same virus (or the viral protein) exerts different effects on UPR and Autophagy. The nature of this response is determined by the cell types, or in some cases, the presence of diverse extracellular stimuli. The vice versa is equally valid, i.e., UPR and autophagy exhibit both anti-tumor and pro-tumor properties based on the cell type and other factors like concentrations of different metabolites. Thus, we have tried to coherently summarize the existing knowledge, the crux of which can hopefully be harnessed to design vaccines and therapies targeted at viral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Dutta
- Center for Immunotherapy & Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| | - Sounak Ghosh Roy
- Henry M Jackson for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Naval Medical Research Command, Silver Spring, MD, United States.
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5
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Jin J, Kouznetsova VL, Kesari S, Tsigelny IF. Synergism in actions of HBV with aflatoxin in cancer development. Toxicology 2023; 499:153652. [PMID: 37858775 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a fungal metabolite found in animal feeds and human foods. It is one of the most toxic and carcinogenic of aflatoxins and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. Dietary exposure to AFB1 and infection with chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) make up two of the major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These two major risk factors raise the probability of synergism between the two agents. This review proposes some collaborative molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between AFB1 and HBV in accelerating or magnifying the effects of HCC. The HBx viral protein is one of the main viral proteins of HBV and has many carcinogenic qualities that are involved with HCC. AFB1, when metabolized by CYP450, becomes AFB1-exo-8,9-epoxide (AFBO), an extremely toxic compound that can form adducts in DNA sequences and induce mutations. With possible synergisms that exist between HBV and AFB1 in mind, it is best to treat both agents simultaneously to reduce the risk by HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jin
- IUL Scientific Program, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Valentina L Kouznetsova
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; BiAna, La Jolla, CA, USA; Curescience Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Igor F Tsigelny
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; BiAna, La Jolla, CA, USA; Curescience Institute, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Luna-Marco C, Ubink A, Kopsida M, Heindryckx F. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1377-1388. [PMID: 36309104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for 85% to 90% of all liver cancer cases. It is a hepatocyte-derived primary tumor, causing 550,000 deaths per year, ranking it as one of the most common cancers worldwide. The liver is a highly metabolic organ with multiple functions, including digestion, detoxification, breakdown of fats, and production of bile and cholesterol, in addition to storage of vitamins, glycogen, and minerals, and synthesizing plasma proteins and clotting factors. Due to these fundamental and diverse functions, the malignant transformation of hepatic cells can have a severe impact on the liver's metabolism. Furthermore, tumorigenesis is often accompanied by activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, which are known to be highly intertwined with several metabolic pathways. Because HCC is characterized by changes in the metabolome and by an aberrant activation of the ER stress pathways, the aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge that links ER stress and metabolism in HCC, thereby focusing on potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Luna-Marco
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Ubink
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Kopsida
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Han JJ, Hu YA, Nan Y, Chen Y, Yang YL. Decreased expression of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) with sK122R and sV96A co-mutation is associated with an ineffective antibody response in a chronic hepatitis B patient. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 111:105431. [PMID: 37015318 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105431] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergence and predominance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants carrying S gene mutations frequently occur in HBV-infected individuals. Here, coexistent serum anti-HBsAg antibody (HBsAb) and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected in a chronic HBV patient. The patient's HBsAg proteins possessed amino acid substitutions sK122R and sV96A. We reported this case and conducted relevant studies to investigate differences in expression levels and antibody neutralization of HBsAg proteins bearing sK122R and sV96A amino acid substitutions to explore causes of antigen-antibody coexistence in a chronic hepatitis B patient. STUDY DESIGN We first sequenced the S gene from HBV present within the patient's serum. Based on the S gene sequence, we cloned wild-type and mutated S gene sequences via site-directed mutagenesis to construct expression plasmids pJW4303-WT (wild-type), pJW4303-sV96A, pJW4303-sK122R, and pJW4303-sV96A-sK122R. Plasmids were transfected into HEK 293 T cells then culture supernatants and cells were collected. Collected cells and supernatants were next subjected to a series of quantitative and functional tests to assess expression and neutralization characteristics of wild-type and mutant HBsAg proteins. RESULTS Based on quantification of HBsAg expression in cells transfected with the four plasmids, HBsAg-sK122R-sV96A was more intracellularly retained and less secreted than HBsAg-sV96A single-mutant protein and WT. Neutralization ability of serum from chronic HBV patient against culture supernatants containing recombinant HBsAg proteins were ranked from highest to lowest as HBsAg-sV96A, HBsAg-sV96A-sK122R, and HBsAg-sK122R. However, no significant differences of neutralization efficiency by high-potency antibodies from HBV-vaccinees against these three mutant proteins were observed. CONCLUSIONS The levels of HBsAg proteins with amino acid substitutions sV96A-sK122R were greatly reduced in culture supernatants but were apparently increased in the intracellular fraction. This may account for the higher levels of HBV replication in patients. HBsAg neutralization by HBsAb in this patient may have been compromised by the HBsAg sK122R amino acid substitution, suggesting that antibodies produced by the patient had lost their HBV-neutralizing effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-An Hu
- Basic Medical Laboratory, Institute of Clinical Laboratory Science, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong-Lin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Zhang X, Gu C, Wei Q, Cao Y, She W, Shi H, Xie Y, Guo J. Pre-S1 Mutations as Indicated by Serum Pre-S1 Antigen Negative is Associated with an Increased Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:599-609. [PMID: 37069959 PMCID: PMC10105577 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s373333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Pre-S1 antigen (pre-S1) is a component of hepatitis B virus large surface antigen (L-HBsAg). This study aimed to investigate the association between clinical pre-S1 antigen (pre-S1) status and adverse prognostic events in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods This study retrospectively enrolled 840 CHB patients with comprehensive clinical data, including 144 patients with multiple follow-up of pre-S1 status. All patients were tested for serum pre-S1 and divided into pre-S1 positive and negative groups. Single factor and logistic multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the association between pre-S1 and other HBV biomarkers with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in CHB patients. The pre-S1 region sequences of HBV DNA were obtained from one pre-S1 positive and two pre-S1 negative treatment-naïve patients using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by Sanger sequencing. Results The quantitative HBsAg level was significantly higher in the pre-S1 positive group than that in the pre-S1 negative group (Z=-15.983, P<0.001). The positive rate of pre-S1 increased significantly with the increase in HBsAg level (χ 2=317.963, P<0.001) and HBV DNA load (χ 2=15.745, P<0.001). The pre-S1 negative group had a higher HCC risk than the pre-S1 positive group (Z=-2.00, P=0.045, OR=1.61). Moreover, patients in the sustained pre-S1 negative group had a higher HCC risk (Z=-2.56, P=0.011, OR=7.12) than those in the sustained pre-S1 positive group. The sequencing results revealed mutations in the pre-S1 region from samples of pre-S1 negative patients, including frameshift and deletion mutations. Conclusion Pre-S1 is a biomarker that indicates the presence and replication of HBV. Pre-S1 sustained negativity attributed to pre-S1 mutations in CHB patients may be associated with a higher risk of HCC, which has clinical significance and warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenjian Gu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yirong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weimin She
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinsheng Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
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9
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Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122630. [PMID: 36560634 PMCID: PMC9780809 DOI: 10.3390/v14122630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a type of cellular stress, always occurs when unfolded or misfolded proteins accumulating in the ER exceed the protein folding capacity. Because of the demand for rapid viral protein synthesis after viral infection, viral infections become a risk factor for ER stress. The hepatocyte is a cell with large and well-developed ER, and hepatitis virus infection is widespread in the population, indicating the interaction between hepatitis viruses and ER stress may have significance for managing liver diseases. In this paper, we review the process that is initiated by the hepatocyte through ER stress against HBV and HCV infection and explain how this information can be helpful in the treatment of HBV/HCV-related diseases.
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10
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Gao S, Jiang X, Wang L, Jiang S, Luo H, Chen Y, Peng C. The pathogenesis of liver cancer and the therapeutic potential of bioactive substances. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1029601. [PMID: 36278230 PMCID: PMC9581229 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1029601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world and has become an urgent problem for global public health. Bioactive substances are widely used for the treatment of liver cancer due to their widespread availability and reduced side effects. This review summarizes the main pathogenic factors involved in the development of liver cancer, including metabolic fatty liver disease, viral infection, and alcoholic cirrhosis, and focuses on the mechanism of action of bioactive components such as polysaccharides, alkaloids, phenols, peptides, and active bacteria/fungi. In addition, we also summarize transformation methods, combined therapy and modification of bioactive substances to improve the treatment efficiency against liver cancer, highlighting new ideas in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyue Jiang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanyuan Luo
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Chen, ; Cheng Peng,
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Chen, ; Cheng Peng,
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11
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Shaha M, Majumder S, Hossain MS, Jahan M, Rahmat R, Asma R, Islam MA, Rahman MH, Das KC, Sarker PK, Mahtab MA, Akbar SMF, Salimullah M. Identification of a novel variant of hepatitis B virus isolated from patient co-infected with hepatitis C virus. Virus Res 2022; 319:198859. [PMID: 35809696 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198859] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health concern worldwide. Co-infection of hepatitis B patients with other pathogens intensifies the severity of the disease. We report a novel variant of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Bangladesh isolated from a patient co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who exhibited liver cirrhosis. From 150 collected plasma samples, we sequenced HBV complete genome from one HBV-HCV co-infected patient. The complete genome was analysed using bioinformatics tools, NCBI BLAST, Geno2Pheno, and SnapGene software. The strain belongs to genotype A and subgenotype A1. Upon analysing the complete genome of this strain, we found a frameshift deletion of 54 nucleotides at the pre-S2 region, a functional regulator of HBV surface protein. Furthermore, we observed a Y126H mutation in the polymerase protein of this strain. This is the first report with such an unusual pre-S deletion event of the HBV genome in an HCV-co-infected patient associated with liver cirrhosis. These findings may inform scientists about genomic modifications in the HBV genome associated with HCV co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Modhusudon Shaha
- Microbial Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Savar, Dhaka 1349, Bangladesh; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Sumen Majumder
- Microbial Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Savar, Dhaka 1349, Bangladesh; Department of Microbiology, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saddam Hossain
- Microbial Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Savar, Dhaka 1349, Bangladesh
| | - Munira Jahan
- Department of Virology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Raad Rahmat
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Ridwana Asma
- Department of Virology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Hadisur Rahman
- Molecular Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Savar, Dhaka 1349, Bangladesh
| | - Keshob Chandra Das
- Molecular Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Savar, Dhaka 1349, Bangladesh
| | - Palash Kumar Sarker
- Microbial Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Savar, Dhaka 1349, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Salimullah
- Molecular Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Savar, Dhaka 1349, Bangladesh.
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12
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Liu W, Cai S, Pu R, Li Z, Liu D, Zhou X, Yin J, Chen X, Chen L, Wu J, Tan X, Wang X, Cao G. HBV preS Mutations Promote Hepatocarcinogenesis by Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Upregulating Inflammatory Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133274. [PMID: 35805045 PMCID: PMC9265300 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Viral mutations at the preS region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared to HBV preS deletion, the oncogenic effect of preS combo mutation has rarely been investigated. With a cohort including 2114 subjects, we demonstrated that preS combo mutations G2950A/G2951A/A2962G/C2964A and C3116T/T31C significantly increased the risk of HCC in patients without antiviral treatment, whereas preS2 deletion significantly increased the risk of HCC in patients with antiviral treatment. The prevalence of C3116T/T31C (43.61%) was higher than preS2 deletion (7.16%). By using Sleeping Beauty mouse models and in vitro experiments, we found G2950A/G2951A/A2962G/C2964A, C3116T/T31C, and preS2 deletion promoted hepatocarcinogenesis by increasing levels of inflammatory cytokines, activating STAT3 pathway, enhancing endoplasmic reticulum stress, and altering gene expression profiles in inflammation- and metabolism-related pathways. These results suggest that preS combo mutations G2950A/G2951A/A2962G/C2964A and C3116T/T31C had similar oncogenic effects of preS2 deletion and should also be monitored. Abstract This study aimed to elucidate the effects and underlying mechanisms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS mutations on hepatocarcinogenesis. The effect of the preS mutations on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence was evaluated using a prospective cohort study with 2114 HBV-infected patients, of whom 612 received antiviral treatments. The oncogenic functions of HBV preS mutations were investigated using cancer cell lines and Sleeping Beauty (SB) mouse models. RNA-sequencing and microarray were applied to identify key molecules involved in the mutant-induced carcinogenesis. Combo mutations G2950A/G2951A/A2962G/C2964A and C3116T/T31C significantly increased HCC risk in patients without antiviral treatment, whereas the preS2 deletion significantly increased HCC risk in patients with antiviral treatment. In SB mice, the preS1/preS2/S mutants induced a higher rate of tumor and higher serum levels of inflammatory cytokines than did wild-type counterpart. The preS1/preS2/S mutants induced altered gene expression profiles in the inflammation- and metabolism-related pathways, activated pathways of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, affected the response to hypoxia, and upregulated the protein level of STAT3. Inhibiting the STAT3 pathway attenuated the effects of the preS1/preS2/S mutants on cell proliferation. G2950A/G2951A/A2962G/C2964A, C3116T/T31C, and preS2 deletion promote hepatocarcinogenesis via inducing ER stress, metabolism alteration, and STAT3 pathways, which might be translated into HCC prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Shiliang Cai
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Rui Pu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Zixiong Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Donghong Liu
- Department of Liver Cancer Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China;
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Jianhua Yin
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, Xi’an 710032, China;
| | - Xiaojie Tan
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
| | - Xin Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200433, China;
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd., Shanghai 200433, China; (W.L.); (S.C.); (R.P.); (Z.L.); (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.C.); (L.C.); (X.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-8187-1060
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13
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Tsai HW, Lee YP, Yen CJ, Cheng KH, Huang CJ, Huang W. The Serum Hepatitis B Virus Large Surface Protein as High-Risk Recurrence Biomarker for Hepatoma after Curative Surgery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105376. [PMID: 35628188 PMCID: PMC9140564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is the most important cause of HCC and is also associated with tumor progression. The development of viral biomarkers for HCC prognosis is critical in evaluating relative risks to recurrence in the CHB HCC patients. We report that the large HBV surface protein (LHBS) expression increased in the tumors, implicating that it played a significant role in tumor development. To detect the LHBS in serum and evaluate its association with HCC progression, we developed a sandwich ELISA method for LHBS. The mouse monoclonal antibodies for the pre-S1, pre-S2, and HBS regions were in-house generated and constructed into a chemiluminescent sandwich ELISA system, which allowed sensitive and quantitative measurement of the protein. Using this ELISA assay, we estimated the expression of LHBS in CHB and HCC patients. We found that the serum LHBS level was correlated with the HBS but not the viral titer in serum, indicating that HBV surface proteins’ expression does not mainly depend on viral replication. Moreover, both serum LHBS and HBS levels were lower in the HCC patients than in the CHB. The liver LHBS signals, detected by immunohistochemical staining, showed significant correlations with the serum LHBS and HBS levels. In addition, the more elevated serum LHBS but not HBS level was significantly associated with cirrhosis and worse disease-free and overall survival rates, based on the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: LHBS plays a specific role in tumor progression and is an independent parameter associated with HCC recurrence. Serum LHBS represents a novel noninvasive biomarker for HCC patients with a worse prognosis after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Wen Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (H.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
| | - Yun-Ping Lee
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Kuang-Hsiung Cheng
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (H.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
| | - Chien-Jung Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 10341, Taiwan;
| | - Wenya Huang
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (H.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5766)
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14
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Lin YT, Jeng LB, Su IJ, Teng CF. Approaches for Detection of Hepatitis B Virus Pre-S Gene Deletions and Pre-S Deleted Proteins and Their Application in Prediction of Higher Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development and Recurrence. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020428. [PMID: 35216021 PMCID: PMC8877656 DOI: 10.3390/v14020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common and lethal human cancers worldwide and is closely associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Pre-S deleted proteins are naturally occurring mutant forms of HBV large surface proteins that are expressed by HBV surface genes harboring deletion mutations over the pre-S gene segments. It has been well demonstrated that HBV pre-S deleted proteins function as important oncoproteins, which promote malignant phenotypes of hepatocytes through the activation of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and result in HCC formation. The oncogenic signaling pathways activated by pre-S deleted proteins have been verified as potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of HCC development. Moreover, the presence of pre-S gene deletions and the expression of pre-S deleted proteins in the blood and liver tissues of HBV-infected patients have been evaluated as valuable biomarkers for predicting a higher risk of HCC development and recurrence after curative surgical resection. Therefore, the precise detection of pre-S gene deletions and pre-S deleted proteins holds great promise as regards identifying the patients at higher risk of HCC development and recurrence, thus aiding in more timely and better treatments to improve their survival. This review summarizes the major approaches used for the detection of pre-S gene deletions and pre-S deleted proteins, including the approaches based on Sanger DNA sequencing, pre-S gene chips, next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemistry staining, and it highlights their important applications in the prediction of higher risks of HCC development and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Te Lin
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Long-Bin Jeng
- Organ Transplantation Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
| | - Ih-Jen Su
- Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan 710, Taiwan;
| | - Chiao-Fang Teng
- Organ Transplantation Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-2205-2121; Fax: +886-4-2202-9083
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15
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Tsuge M. The association between hepatocarcinogenesis and intracellular alterations due to hepatitis B virus infection. Liver Int 2021; 41:2836-2848. [PMID: 34559952 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem leading to severe liver dysfunction, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current antiviral therapies for chronic HBV infection have been improved and can lead to a strong suppression of viral replication, it is difficult to completely eliminate the virus with these therapies once chronic HBV infection is established in the host. Furthermore, chronic HBV infection alters intracellular metabolism and signalling pathways, resulting in the activation of carcinogenesis in the liver. HBV produces four viral proteins: hepatitis B surface-, hepatitis B core-, hepatitis B x protein, and polymerase; each plays an important role in HBV replication and the intracellular signalling pathways associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. In vitro and in vivo experimental models for analyzing HBV infection and replication have been established, and gene expression analyses using microarrays or next-generation sequencing have also been developed. Thus, it is possible to clarify the molecular mechanisms for intracellular alterations, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications. In this review, the impact of HBV viral proteins and intracellular alterations in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Tsuge
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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16
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Elizalde MM, Tadey L, Mammana L, Quarleri JF, Campos RH, Flichman DM. Biological Characterization of Hepatitis B virus Genotypes: Their Role in Viral Replication and Antigen Expression. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:758613. [PMID: 34803982 PMCID: PMC8600256 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.758613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) inter-host evolution has resulted in genomic diversification reflected in the existence of nine genotypes (A-I) and numerous subgenotypes. There is growing evidence that genotypes influence HBV natural history, clinical outcomes, and treatment response. However, the biological characteristics underlying these differences have not yet been established. By transfecting HuH-7 cells with unit-length constructs of genotypes A2, B2, C1, D1, and F1b, we identified major differences in HBV replicative capacity and antigen expression across genotypes. Genotypes B2 and F1b showed a 2-fold increase in cccDNA levels compared to the other genotypes (p<0.005). Genotype A2 expressed the lowest pgRNA levels, with a 70-fold decrease in relation to the other genotypes (p<0.0001), while genotype B2 showed the lowest Precore RNA levels, with a 100-fold reduction compared to genotype A2 (p<0.0001). The highest intracellular HBV DNA levels were observed for genotype B2 and the lowest for genotypes A2 and C1 (p<0.0001). Regarding antigen expression, genotype F1b secreted the highest HBsAg levels and genotype D1 the lowest (p<0.0001), while genotypes A2 and B2 showed the highest intracellular HBsAg levels (p<0.0001). Interestingly, genotype C1 secreted the highest HBeAg levels, while genotype A2 showed the highest intracellular levels (p<0.0001). Finally, the analysis of the intra/extracellular antigen ratios revealed that most genotypes retained intracellularly 5-20% of the antigens, except the genotype A2 that retained 50% of the total expressed antigens. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the biological characteristics of HBV genotypes, being the first study to comparatively analyze European (A and D) and Asian (B and C) genotypes with the Latin American (F) genotype. The differences in HBV replication and antigen expression might contribute to understand the differential role of genotypes in pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Mercedes Elizalde
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Tadey
- Unidad de Virología, Hospital de Infecciosas "Francisco J. Muñiz", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lilia Mammana
- Unidad de Virología, Hospital de Infecciosas "Francisco J. Muñiz", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Fabián Quarleri
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo Héctor Campos
- Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Cátedra de Virología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Martín Flichman
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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Li YT, Wu HL, Liu CJ. Molecular Mechanisms and Animal Models of HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: With Emphasis on Metastatic Tumor Antigen 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9380. [PMID: 34502289 PMCID: PMC8431721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important cause of cancer death worldwide, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiology, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Lack of sensitive biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC and lack of effective therapeutics for patients with advanced HCC are the main reasons for high HCC mortality; these clinical needs are linked to the molecular heterogeneity of hepatocarcinogenesis. Animal models are the basis of preclinical and translational research in HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC). Recent advances in methodology have allowed the development of several animal models to address various aspects of chronic liver disease, including HCC, which HBV causes in humans. Currently, multiple HBV-HCC animal models, including conventional, hydrodynamics-transfection-based, viral vector-mediated transgenic, and xenograft mice models, as well as the hepadnavirus-infected tree shrew and woodchuck models, are available. This review provides an overview of molecular mechanisms and animal models of HBV-HCC. Additionally, the metastatic tumor antigen 1 (MTA1), a cancer-promoting molecule, was introduced as an example to address the importance of a suitable animal model for studying HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Tsung Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Lin Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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18
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Liang YJ, Teng W, Chen CL, Sun CP, Teng RD, Huang YH, Liang KH, Chen YW, Lin CC, Su CW, Tao MH, Wu JC. Clinical Implications of HBV PreS/S Mutations and the Effects of PreS2 Deletion on Mitochondria, Liver Fibrosis, and Cancer Development. Hepatology 2021; 74:641-655. [PMID: 33675094 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS PreS mutants of HBV have been reported to be associated with HCC. We conducted a longitudinal study of the role of HBV preS mutations in the development of HCC, particularly in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) having low HBV DNA or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and investigated the effects of secretion-defective preS2 deletion mutant (preS2ΔMT) on hepatocyte damage in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo. APPROACH AND RESULTS Association of preS mutations with HCC in 343 patients with CHB was evaluated by a retrospective case-control follow-up study. Effects of preS2ΔMT on HBsAg retention, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, calcium accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver fibrosis were examined. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of preS mutations with HCC (HR, 3.210; 95% CI, 1.072-9.613; P = 0.037) including cases with low HBV DNA or ALT levels (HR, 2.790; 95% CI, 1.133-6.873; P = 0.026). Antiviral therapy reduced HCC risk, including cases with preS mutations. PreS2ΔMT expression promoted HBsAg retention in the ER and unfolded protein response (UPR). Transmission electron microscopic examination, MitoTracker staining, real-time ATP assay, and calcium staining of preS2ΔMT-expressing cells revealed aberrant ER and mitochondrial ultrastructure, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production, and calcium overload. Serum HBV secretion levels were ~100-fold lower in preS2ΔMT-infected humanized Fah-/-/ Rag2-/-/Il2rg-/- triple knockout mice than in wild-type HBV-infected mice. PreS2ΔMT-infected mice displayed up-regulation of UPR and caspase-3 and enhanced liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS PreS mutations were significantly associated with HCC development in patients with CHB, including those with low HBV DNA or ALT levels. Antiviral therapy reduced HCC occurrence in patients with CHB, including those with preS mutations. Intracellular accumulation of mutated HBsAg induced or promoted ER stress, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired energy metabolism, liver fibrosis, and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh-Jin Liang
- Translational Research DivisionMedical Research DepartmentTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan, ROC.,Cancer Progression Research CenterNational Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Wei Teng
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyChang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical CenterTaoyuanTaiwan, ROC.,Institute of Clinical MedicineNational Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Li Chen
- School of MedicineCollege of MedicineFu Jen Catholic UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Pu Sun
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Rui-Dung Teng
- Institute of Clinical MedicineNational Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology and Institute of Biomedical InformaticsNational Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Kung-Hao Liang
- Translational Research DivisionMedical Research DepartmentTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Wen Chen
- Translational Research DivisionMedical Research DepartmentTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Chung-Chih Lin
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome SciencesYang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Wei Su
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of MedicineTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan, ROC.,Faculty of MedicineSchool of MedicineNational Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Mi-Hua Tao
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
| | - Jaw-Ching Wu
- Translational Research DivisionMedical Research DepartmentTaipei Veterans General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan, ROC.,Cancer Progression Research CenterNational Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC.,Institute of Clinical MedicineNational Yang-Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan, ROC
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19
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Inoue J, Sato K, Ninomiya M, Masamune A. Envelope Proteins of Hepatitis B Virus: Molecular Biology and Involvement in Carcinogenesis. Viruses 2021; 13:1124. [PMID: 34208172 PMCID: PMC8230773 DOI: 10.3390/v13061124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The envelope of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is required for the entry to hepatocytes, consists of a lipid bilayer derived from hepatocyte and HBV envelope proteins, large/middle/small hepatitis B surface antigen (L/M/SHBs). The mechanisms and host factors for the envelope formation in the hepatocytes are being revealed. HBV-infected hepatocytes release a large amount of subviral particles (SVPs) containing L/M/SHBs that facilitate escape from the immune system. Recently, novel drugs inhibiting the functions of the viral envelope and those inhibiting the release of SVPs have been reported. LHBs that accumulate in ER is considered to promote carcinogenesis and, especially, deletion mutants in the preS1/S2 domain have been reported to be associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we summarize recent reports on the findings regarding the biological characteristics of HBV envelope proteins, their involvement in HCC development and new agents targeting the envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (K.S.); (M.N.); (A.M.)
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20
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Lin YT, Jeng LB, Chan WL, Su IJ, Teng CF. Hepatitis B Virus Pre-S Gene Deletions and Pre-S Deleted Proteins: Clinical and Molecular Implications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050862. [PMID: 34066744 PMCID: PMC8151789 DOI: 10.3390/v13050862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent and fatal human cancers worldwide and its development and prognosis are intimately associated with chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The identification of genetic mutations and molecular mechanisms that mediate HBV-induced tumorigenesis therefore holds promise for the development of potential biomarkers and targets for HCC prevention and therapy. The presence of HBV pre-S gene deletions in the blood and the expression of pre-S deleted proteins in the liver tissues of patients with chronic hepatitis B and HBV-related HCC have emerged as valuable biomarkers for higher incidence rates of HCC development and a higher risk of HCC recurrence after curative surgical resection, respectively. Moreover, pre-S deleted proteins are regarded as important oncoproteins that activate multiple signaling pathways to induce DNA damage and promote growth and proliferation in hepatocytes, leading to HCC development. The signaling molecules dysregulated by pre-S deleted proteins have also been validated as potential targets for the prevention of HCC development. In this review, we summarize the clinical and molecular implications of HBV pre-S gene deletions and pre-S deleted proteins in HCC development and recurrence and highlight their potential applications in HCC prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Te Lin
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Long-Bin Jeng
- Organ Transplantation Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
| | - Wen-Ling Chan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan;
- Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Ih-Jen Su
- Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan 710, Taiwan;
| | - Chiao-Fang Teng
- Organ Transplantation Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-2205-2121
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21
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Wu YH, Yang Y, Chen CH, Hsiao CJ, Li TN, Liao KJ, Watashi K, Chen BS, Wang LHC. Aerobic glycolysis supports hepatitis B virus protein synthesis through interaction between viral surface antigen and pyruvate kinase isoform M2. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1008866. [PMID: 33720996 PMCID: PMC8009439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As an intracellular pathogen, the reproduction of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) depends on the occupancy of host metabolism machinery. Here we test a hypothesis if HBV may govern intracellular biosynthesis to achieve a productive reproduction. To test this hypothesis, we set up an affinity purification screen for host factors that interact with large viral surface antigens (LHBS). This identified pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2), a key regulator of glucose metabolism, as a binding partner of viral surface antigens. We showed that the expression of viral LHBS affected oligomerization of PKM2 in hepatocytes, thereby increasing glucose consumption and lactate production, a phenomenon known as aerobic glycolysis. Reduction of PKM2 activity was also validated in several different models, including HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP-C4 cells, adenovirus mediated HBV gene transduction and transfection with a plasmid containing complete HBV genome on HuH-7 cells. We found the recovery of PKM2 activity in hepatocytes by chemical activators, TEPP-46 or DASA-58, reduced expressions of viral surface and core antigens. In addition, reduction of glycolysis by culturing in low-glucose condition or treatment with 2-deoxyglucose also decreased expressions of viral surface antigen, without affecting general host proteins. Finally, TEPP-46 largely suppressed proliferation of LHBS-positive cells on 3-dimensional agarose plates, but showed no effect on the traditional 2-dimensional cell culture. Taken together, these results indicate that HBV-induced metabolic switch may support its own translation in hepatocytes. In addition, aerobic glycolysis is likely essential for LHBS-mediated oncogenesis. Accordingly, restriction of glucose metabolism may be considered as a novel strategy to restrain viral protein synthesis and subsequent oncogenesis during chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi Yang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hung Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jen Hsiao
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, New Taipei City Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Neng Li
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ju Liao
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bor-Sen Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Lily Hui-Ching Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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22
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Hepatitis B Virus preS2 Domain Promotes Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Transcriptional Activation of VEGFA Promoter. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.111618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
: Angiogenesis is closely related to the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Angiogenic factors have been confirmed to be overexpressed in HCC. The hepatitis B virus preS2 domain is a transactivator that plays an important role in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential of the preS2 domain in inducing angiogenesis in HCC. A total of 25 cases of pathologically confirmed HCC were screened. The levels of preS2, CD34, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in HCC samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The proliferation of vascular endothelial cells was detected by CCK-8. Besides, VEGFA was analyzed by Western blot in HCC cells. The effect of preS2 on the VEGFA promoter was measured by dual-luciferase reporter assays. We found that preS2 domain-positive HCCs had significantly higher microvessel density (MVD) and VEGFA expression than preS2 domain-negative HCCs. Overexpression of preS2 upregulated VEGFA expression in HepG2 and activated vascular endothelial cell proliferation. However, blocking preS2 expression reduced VEGFA expression in HepG2.2.15 and inhibited the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. In addition, a dual-luciferase assay indicated that the preS2 domain could activate VEGFA promoter activity. In conclusion, we showed that the expression of the preS2 domain promotes angiogenesis by transactivating the VEGFA promoter in HCC.
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Shih C, Wu SY, Chou SF, Yuan TTT. Virion Secretion of Hepatitis B Virus Naturally Occurring Core Antigen Variants. Cells 2020; 10:cells10010043. [PMID: 33396864 PMCID: PMC7823318 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In natural infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) accumulates frequent mutations. The most frequent HBc variant in chronic hepatitis B patients is mutant 97L, changing from an isoleucine or phenylalanine to a leucine (L) at HBc amino acid 97. One dogma in the HBV research field is that wild type HBV secretes predominantly virions containing mature double-stranded DNA genomes. Immature genomes, containing single-stranded RNA or DNA, do not get efficiently secreted until reaching genome maturity. Interestingly, HBc variant 97L does not follow this dogma in virion secretion. Instead, it exhibits an immature secretion phenotype, which preferentially secretes virions containing immature genomes. Other aberrant behaviors in virion secretion were also observed in different naturally occurring HBc variants. A hydrophobic pocket around amino acid 97 was identified by bioinformatics, genetic analysis, and cryo-EM. We postulated that this hydrophobic pocket could mediate the transduction of the genome maturation signal for envelopment from the capsid interior to its surface. Virion morphogenesis must involve interactions between HBc, envelope proteins (HBsAg) and host factors, such as components of ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport). Immature secretion can be offset by compensatory mutations, occurring at other positions in HBc or HBsAg. Recently, we demonstrated in mice that the persistence of intrahepatic HBV DNA is related to virion secretion regulated by HBV genome maturity. HBV virion secretion could be an antiviral drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaho Shih
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (T.-T.T.Y.)
| | - Szu-Yao Wu
- Chimera Bioscience Inc., No. 18 Siyuan St., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei 10087, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Fan Chou
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Ta-Tung Thomas Yuan
- TFBS Bioscience, Inc. 3F, No. 103, Ln 169, Kangning St., Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (T.-T.T.Y.)
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