Both hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx)and microRNA-221(miR-221)have been implicated in the development of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The present study demonstrates that HBx promotes HC...Both hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx)and microRNA-221(miR-221)have been implicated in the development of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The present study demonstrates that HBx promotes HCC cell proliferation via the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12-C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4(CXCL12-CXCR4)axis.We predict that HBx/miR-221-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling induces NKT cells to promote HBV-related HCC.Methods:After miR-221 mimic,miR-221 mimic negative control,miR-221 inhibitor,miR-221 inhibitor negative control were transfected into cells,the expression of CXCL12 and miR-221 was detected by qPCR and western blot.Then we constructed a stable HBV-HCC cell line.HBV-HCC cells were injected into the nude mice,thus a HBV-HCC mouse model was constructed.Q-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of HBx,miR-221,CXCL12 and CXCR4 in tumor tissues.The expression of CXCL12 was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of CXCR4,CD3 and CD56 was detected by immunofluorescence.The levels of CXCL12,IL-2 and TNF-αin serum of mice were detected by ELISA.Sixty-one patients with HBV-related HCC,61 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis,61 patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and 30 healthy people were enrolled.CXCL12,cytokine levels,and clinicopathological parameters were tested.Results:Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates the expression of miR-221 and CXCL12 in lentivirus(LV5)-HBx-transfected HepG2 cells.HBx protein promotes HepG2 cell proliferation in vitro.HBx protein promoted tumor growth via the miR-221/CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in a mouse tumor model.HBx protein upregulated natural killer T cell expression via the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway to promote tumor growth.The data demonstrated a positive correlation between CXCL12 concentration with Cre levels and Child-Pugh scores.CXCL12 had an inferior diagnostic efficiency compared to IL-2 and IL-6 for HBV-related HCC.Conclusions:We present evidence that HBx/miR-221-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling induces NKT cells to promote HBV-related HCC.展开更多
AIM In this study we investigated the relationship of the X protein of HBV and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and the expression of NF-κB in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. METHODS Immunohistochemistry SP method w...AIM In this study we investigated the relationship of the X protein of HBV and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and the expression of NF-κB in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. METHODS Immunohistochemistry SP method was used to detect the expression of NF-κB and the X protein of HBV in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues of 52 cases.Gene transfection mediated by lipofectamine was used to transfect the eukaryotic expression vector pCDNA3.1-HBX of HBV x gene into human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCC-9204 and NF-κB was detected. RESULTS NF-κB was widely expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in a total of 52 cases and its expression was related to the X protein of HBV.NF-κB was localized both in the cytoplasm and the nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in 11 cases which were positive for the X protein of HBV while in 41 cases negative for the X protein of HBV,NF-κB was only localized in the cytoplasm of hepatocellular carcinoma cells but translocated to the nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells after the eukaryotic expression vector pCDNA3.1-HBX was transfected into HCC-9204 cells. CONCLUSION This study strongly suggests that the nuclear factor NF-κB is widely expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in different styles according to the expression of the X protein of HBV.NF-κB is abnormally activated in hepatocellular carcinoma,which is probably rélated to the X protein of HBV.The X protein of HBV can activate NF-κB to translocate into nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays a crucial role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms by which HBx mediates liver cell proliferation. We found that HBx upr...Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays a crucial role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms by which HBx mediates liver cell proliferation. We found that HBx upregulated the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-1ipoxygenase (5-LOX) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in liver cells. HBx-induced p-ERK1/2 was abolished by inhibition of Gi/o proteins, COX or LOX. In addition, HBx increased the amounts of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) released from cell lines derived from hepatocytes. Moreover, these released arachidonic acid metabolites were able to activate ERK1/2. Interestingly, activated ERK1/2 could upregulate the expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX in a positive feedback manner. In conclusion, HBx enhances and maintains liver cell proliferation via a positive feedback loop involving COX-2, 5-LOX, released arachidonic acid metabolites, Gi/o proteins and p-ERK1/2.展开更多
To determine the role of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx), HBx in regulating hepatic progenitor cell (HPC)-like features in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODSWe used a retr...To determine the role of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx), HBx in regulating hepatic progenitor cell (HPC)-like features in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODSWe used a retrovirus vector to introduce wild type HBx or empty vector into HepG2 cells. We then used these cells to analyze cell proliferation, senescence, transformation, and stem-like features. Gene expression profiling was carried out on Affymetrix GeneChip Human U133A2.0 ver.2 arrays according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis and Class Comparison analysis were performed by BRB-Array Tools software Version 4.2.2. A total of 238 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients’ array data were used for analyzing clinical features.RESULTSThe histone demethylase KDM5B was significantly highly expressed in HBV-related HCC cases (P < 0.01). In HBV proteins, only HBx up-regulated KDM5B by activating c-myc. Hepatic stem cell (HpSC) markers (EpCAM, AFP, PROM1, and NANOG) were significantly highly expressed in KDM5B-high HCC cases (P < 0.01). KDM5B played an important role in maintaining HpSC-like features and was associated with a poor prognosis. Moreover, inhibition of KDM5B suppressed spheroid formation and cell invasion in vitro.CONCLUSIONHBx activates the histone demethylase KDM5B and induces HPC-like features in HCC. Histone demethylases KDM5B may be an important therapeutic target against HBV-related HCC cases.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) on the clock genes in LO2 cells and its significance. Methods: A cell line LO2-HBx, Stably transfected with HB...Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) on the clock genes in LO2 cells and its significance. Methods: A cell line LO2-HBx, Stably transfected with HBx gene, was established. The levels of mRNA and protein expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. Resuits: The expression of CLOCK mRNA and protein were increased in cell line LO2-HBx (P 〈 0.05), while the expression of BMAL1 mRNA and protein were decreased in cell line LO2-HBx (P 〈 0.05). Conclusion: The expressions of core clock gene CLOCK and BMAL1 have been changed by HBx, which breaks down the previous circadian rhythm of liver cells. This maybe one of the reasons leads to the formation of liver cancer.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) to restrain the growth and invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein. METHODS: The pcDNA3.1-HBx plas...AIM: To investigate the effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) to restrain the growth and invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein. METHODS: The pcDNA3.1-HBx plasmid was transfected into Chang cells by Lipofectamine in vitro, and Chang/HBx was co-cultured with IFN-α. Cell survival growth curve and clonogenicity assay were used to test the growth potential of Chang/pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx in vitro. Growth assay in nude mice was used to detect the growth potential of Chang/ pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx in vivo. Wound healing and transwell migration assays were used to detect the invasive ability of Chang/pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx. RESULTS: Compared with CCL13 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1, CCL13 with stable expression of hepatitis B virus X protein showed the characteristics of malignant cells with high capability of growth and invasion by detecting their growth curves, colony forming efficiency, wound healing , transwell migration assays and growth assays in nude mice. Its capability of growth and invasion could be controlled by IFN-α. CONCLUSION: IFN-α can restrain the growth and invasive potential of HCC cells induced by HBx protein, which has provided an experimental basis for IFN-α therapy of HCC.展开更多
The chronic infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV) is closely related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Accumulated evidence has shown that HBV X protein(HBx protein) is a multifunctiona...The chronic infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV) is closely related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Accumulated evidence has shown that HBV X protein(HBx protein) is a multifunctional regulator with a crucial role in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, information on the mechanism by which HBV induces HCC is lacking. This review focuses on the pathological functions of HBx in HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. As a transactivator, HBx can modulate nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB) and transcription factor AP-2. Moreover, HBx can affect regulatory non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs) including microRNAs and long ncRNAs(lncRNAs), such as miRNA-205 and highly upregulated in liver cancer(HULC), respectively. HBx is also involved in epigenetic modification, including methylation and acetylation. HBx interacts with various signal-transduction pathways, such as protein kinase B/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, signal transducer and activator of transcription, and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, HBx affects cellular fate by shifting the balance toward cell survival. HBx may lead to the loss of apoptotic functions or directly contributes to oncogenesis by achieving transforming functions, which induce hepatocarcinogenesis. Additionally, HBx can modulate apoptosis and immune response by direct or indirect interaction with host factors. We conclude that HBx hastens the development of hepatoma.展开更多
Objective: To provide the experimental basis for further studying the molecular transformation mechanism of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) on hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Reconstructed plasmid pcD...Objective: To provide the experimental basis for further studying the molecular transformation mechanism of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) on hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Reconstructed plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-HBx was transfected into THP-1 macrophages. Expression of HBx was assayed in macrophages lysate by Western-blotting, and TNF-α and IL-1β contents were detected respectively by ELISA. All the data were analyzed by SPSS13.0. Results: In THP-lmacrophages, the pcDNA3.1(+)-HBx plasmid expressed HBx with a molecular weight of about 17 KDa demonstrated by Western-blotting. The secreted TNF-α and IL-1β from macrophages were determined by ELISA, the results from analysis of all groups showed as following: control group was different from LPS group and pcDNA3.1(+) group (P〈0.01), and so was pcDNA3.1(+)-HBx group; but there was no obvious difference between pcDNA3.1(+) group and LPS group (P〉0.05), all of which indicated that transient overexpression of HBx enhanced LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-1β by macrophages. Conclusion: Transient overexpression of HBx up-regulates LPS-induced TNF-t~ and IL-113 secretion of macrophages.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Meth...Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Methods:The plasmid pCI-neo-X that carries the X gene of hepatitis B virus was transfected into cultured GMCs.HBx expression in the transfected GMCs was assessed by Western-blot.TNF-αprotein and mRNA were assessed by ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR,respectively.Three kinase inhibitors-U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs);lactacvstin,an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB);and SB203580,a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase(p38 MAPK)were used to determine which intracellular signal pathways may underlie the action of HBx on TNF-αexpression in transfected GMCs.Results:A significant increase in HBx expression in pCI-neo-X transfected GMCs was detected at 36 h and 48 h,which was not affected by any of those kinase inhibitors mentioned above.A similar increase in the expression of both TNF-αprotein and mRNA was also observed at 36 h and 48 h,which was significantly decreased in the presence of U0126 or lactacytin,but not SB203580.Conclusions:HBx upregulates TNF-αexpression in cultured GMCs,possibly through ERKs and NF-κB pathway,but not p38 MAPK pathway.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx) plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In addition, hepatoma upregulated protein(HURP) is a cellular oncogene that is upregulated in a majority of...Hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx) plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In addition, hepatoma upregulated protein(HURP) is a cellular oncogene that is upregulated in a majority of HCC cases. We highlight here recent findings demonstrating a link between HBx, HURP and anti-apoptosis effects observed in cisplatin-treated HCC cells. We observed that Hep3B cells overexpressing HBx display increased HURP mRNA and protein levels, and show resistance to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of HURP in HBx-expressing cells reverses this effect, and sensitizes cells to cisplatin. The anti-apoptotic effect of HBx requires activation of the p38/MAPK pathway as well as expression of SATB1, survivin and HURP. Furthermore, silencing of HURP using short-hairpin RNA promotes accumulation of p53 and reduces cell proliferation in SK-Hep-1 cells(p53^(+/–)), whereas these effects are not observed in p53-mutant Mahlavu cells. Similarly, HURP silencing does not affect the proliferation of H1299 lung carcinoma cells or Hep3 B HCC cells which lack p53. Silencing of HURP sensitizes SK-Hep-1 cells to cisplatin. While HURP overexpression promotes p53 ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome, HURP silencing reverses these effects. Inoculation of SK-Hep-1 cancer cells in which HURP has been silenced produces smaller tumors than control in nude mice. Besides, gankyrin, a positive regulator of the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2, is upregulated following HURP expression, and silencing of gankyrin reduces HURP-mediated downregulation of p53. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between HURP and gankyrin protein levels in HCC patients(r^2 = 0.778; n = 9). These findings suggest a role for the viral protein HBx and the host protein HURP in preventing p53-mediated apoptosis during cancer progression and establishment of chemoresistance.展开更多
Histone lysine methyltransferase EZH2 has been reported to be frequently overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) tissues and associated with hepatocarcinogenesis.However,the exact mechanism of EZH2 up-regulatio...Histone lysine methyltransferase EZH2 has been reported to be frequently overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) tissues and associated with hepatocarcinogenesis.However,the exact mechanism of EZH2 up-regulation in HCC has not been determined.In this study,we used murine hepatocyte AML12 cells to investigate the role of hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx) in regulating the expression of mEZH2.Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression level of mEZH2 protein in AML12 cells was up-regulated by HBx in a dose-dependent manner.To further investigate the mechanism of mEZH2 overexpression,the 2500 bp regulatory sequence upstream from the first exon of the mEZH2 gene was amplified from AML12 genomic DNA and constructed into a luciferase reporter plasmid.The luciferase activity of the mEZH2 promoter significantly increased in AML12 cells co-transfected with HBx plasmid,and deleting the-486/-214 promoter region decreased HBx-induced mEZH2 promoter activation by nearly 50%.The-486/-214 region was then analyzed in the TRANSFAC 6.0 database and a typical E2F1-binding site was found.Mutation of this E2F1-binding site or knockdown of E2F1 expression by RNAi led to a dramatic decrease in HBx-induced activation of the mEZH2 promoter and mEZH2 overexpression in AML12 cells.These results provide evidence that HBx up-regulates mEZH2 expression by transactivating the mEZH2 promoter through E2F1 transcription factor,thereby providing new epigenetic evidence for the carcinogenic effect of HBx.展开更多
Background:Excessive alcohol intake with hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection accelerates chronic liver disease progression and patients with HBV infection are more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver disease.Hepatitis B ...Background:Excessive alcohol intake with hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection accelerates chronic liver disease progression and patients with HBV infection are more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver disease.Hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx)plays a crucial role in disease pathogenesis,while its specific role in alcoholic liver disease(ALD)progression has not yet been elucidated.Here,we studied the role of HBx on the development of ALD.Methods:HBx-transgenic(HBx-Tg)mice and their wild-type littermates were exposed to chronic plus binge alcohol feeding.Primary hepatocytes,cell lines,and human samples were used to investigate the interaction between HBx and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2).Lipid profiles in mouse livers and cells were assessed by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results:We identified that HBx significantly aggravated alcohol-induced steatohepatitis,oxidative stress,and lipid peroxidation in mice.In addition,HBx induced worse lipid profiles with high lysophospholipids generation in alcoholic steatohepatitis,as shown by using lipidomic analysis.Importantly,serum and liver acetaldehyde were markedly higher in alcoholfed HBx-Tg mice.Acetaldehyde induced lysophospholipids generation through oxidative stress in hepatocytes.Mechanistically,HBx directly bound to mitochondrial ALDH2 to induce its ubiquitin–proteasome degradation,resulting in acetaldehyde accumulation.More importantly,we also identified that patients with HBV infection reduced ALDH2 protein levels in the liver.Conclusions:Our study demonstrated that HBx-induced ubiquitin-dependent degradation of mitochondrial ALDH2 aggravates alcoholic steatohepatitis.展开更多
为探究一种包含泛素调节性X结构域的蛋白(ubiquitin regulatory X domain-containing protein,UBXN1)在大黄鱼抗盾纤毛虫感染中的作用,以及可能涉及的免疫信号通路。本实验克隆鉴定了大黄鱼UBXN1基因,并利用在线软件对其序列特征进行生...为探究一种包含泛素调节性X结构域的蛋白(ubiquitin regulatory X domain-containing protein,UBXN1)在大黄鱼抗盾纤毛虫感染中的作用,以及可能涉及的免疫信号通路。本实验克隆鉴定了大黄鱼UBXN1基因,并利用在线软件对其序列特征进行生物信息学分析;采用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测UBXN1在健康大黄鱼各组织中的表达,及盾纤毛虫感染后的诱导表达变化;并进行了UBXN1的亚细胞定位;转录组测序分析了UBXN1过表达前后的差异表达基因。结果显示,UBXN1基因cDNA全长为915 bp,编码304个氨基酸。蛋白多重序列比对和结构预测表明UBXN1是一个进化保守的蛋白,包含UBA和UBX结构域。qRT-PCR分析表明UBXN1在所检测的11种组织中均有表达,脑中表达量最高,其次是肝脏、心脏和肾脏,在肌肉中表达量最低;盾纤毛虫感染大黄鱼后,UBXN1在脾脏、脑、肝脏和肾脏中表达量早期显著升高,后期逐步恢复至正常水平。亚细胞定位分析表明,UBXN1在大黄鱼肾脏细胞质和细胞核中均有表达。在293T细胞过表达UBXN1,转录组差异表达分析筛选到12个上调基因,4个下调基因,其中RPL41/RPL39/XIST/RNA45SN4表达量显著增加,而ATP8/ND4L表达量显著减少。研究表明UBXN1在大黄鱼抗寄生虫免疫应答中发挥重要作用。本实验为进一步研究UBXN1的免疫信号通路奠定基础。展开更多
脆性X综合征(fragile X syndrome,FXS)是FMR1基因CGG异常重复扩增导致的疾病。本文报告1对经基因检测诊断为FXS的兄弟,2例患者分别为15岁和14岁,均存在语言障碍、智力障碍、注意力缺陷障碍、孤独症谱系障碍和FXS特征性面容等临床表现,...脆性X综合征(fragile X syndrome,FXS)是FMR1基因CGG异常重复扩增导致的疾病。本文报告1对经基因检测诊断为FXS的兄弟,2例患者分别为15岁和14岁,均存在语言障碍、智力障碍、注意力缺陷障碍、孤独症谱系障碍和FXS特征性面容等临床表现,其中先证者伴有罕见的晚发性癫痫发作,经左乙拉西坦治疗效果良好,而其弟弟经反复随访未见脑电图异常。该对病例提示FXS临床表型具有多样性和异质性。展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,China(No.cstc2019jcyj-msxm0314 of Yishu Tang)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2017YFC0909902 of Yun Xia)the Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81501818 of Yishu Tang)。
文摘Both hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx)and microRNA-221(miR-221)have been implicated in the development of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The present study demonstrates that HBx promotes HCC cell proliferation via the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12-C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4(CXCL12-CXCR4)axis.We predict that HBx/miR-221-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling induces NKT cells to promote HBV-related HCC.Methods:After miR-221 mimic,miR-221 mimic negative control,miR-221 inhibitor,miR-221 inhibitor negative control were transfected into cells,the expression of CXCL12 and miR-221 was detected by qPCR and western blot.Then we constructed a stable HBV-HCC cell line.HBV-HCC cells were injected into the nude mice,thus a HBV-HCC mouse model was constructed.Q-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of HBx,miR-221,CXCL12 and CXCR4 in tumor tissues.The expression of CXCL12 was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of CXCR4,CD3 and CD56 was detected by immunofluorescence.The levels of CXCL12,IL-2 and TNF-αin serum of mice were detected by ELISA.Sixty-one patients with HBV-related HCC,61 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis,61 patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and 30 healthy people were enrolled.CXCL12,cytokine levels,and clinicopathological parameters were tested.Results:Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates the expression of miR-221 and CXCL12 in lentivirus(LV5)-HBx-transfected HepG2 cells.HBx protein promotes HepG2 cell proliferation in vitro.HBx protein promoted tumor growth via the miR-221/CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in a mouse tumor model.HBx protein upregulated natural killer T cell expression via the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway to promote tumor growth.The data demonstrated a positive correlation between CXCL12 concentration with Cre levels and Child-Pugh scores.CXCL12 had an inferior diagnostic efficiency compared to IL-2 and IL-6 for HBV-related HCC.Conclusions:We present evidence that HBx/miR-221-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling induces NKT cells to promote HBV-related HCC.
文摘AIM In this study we investigated the relationship of the X protein of HBV and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and the expression of NF-κB in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. METHODS Immunohistochemistry SP method was used to detect the expression of NF-κB and the X protein of HBV in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues of 52 cases.Gene transfection mediated by lipofectamine was used to transfect the eukaryotic expression vector pCDNA3.1-HBX of HBV x gene into human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCC-9204 and NF-κB was detected. RESULTS NF-κB was widely expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in a total of 52 cases and its expression was related to the X protein of HBV.NF-κB was localized both in the cytoplasm and the nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in 11 cases which were positive for the X protein of HBV while in 41 cases negative for the X protein of HBV,NF-κB was only localized in the cytoplasm of hepatocellular carcinoma cells but translocated to the nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells after the eukaryotic expression vector pCDNA3.1-HBX was transfected into HCC-9204 cells. CONCLUSION This study strongly suggests that the nuclear factor NF-κB is widely expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in different styles according to the expression of the X protein of HBV.NF-κB is abnormally activated in hepatocellular carcinoma,which is probably rélated to the X protein of HBV.The X protein of HBV can activate NF-κB to translocate into nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
文摘Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays a crucial role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms by which HBx mediates liver cell proliferation. We found that HBx upregulated the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-1ipoxygenase (5-LOX) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in liver cells. HBx-induced p-ERK1/2 was abolished by inhibition of Gi/o proteins, COX or LOX. In addition, HBx increased the amounts of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) released from cell lines derived from hepatocytes. Moreover, these released arachidonic acid metabolites were able to activate ERK1/2. Interestingly, activated ERK1/2 could upregulate the expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX in a positive feedback manner. In conclusion, HBx enhances and maintains liver cell proliferation via a positive feedback loop involving COX-2, 5-LOX, released arachidonic acid metabolites, Gi/o proteins and p-ERK1/2.
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(KAKENHI)(C),No.15K08992(to Oishi N)Core-to-Core Program,B.Asia-Africa Science Platforms,the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(to Kaneko S)
文摘To determine the role of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx), HBx in regulating hepatic progenitor cell (HPC)-like features in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODSWe used a retrovirus vector to introduce wild type HBx or empty vector into HepG2 cells. We then used these cells to analyze cell proliferation, senescence, transformation, and stem-like features. Gene expression profiling was carried out on Affymetrix GeneChip Human U133A2.0 ver.2 arrays according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis and Class Comparison analysis were performed by BRB-Array Tools software Version 4.2.2. A total of 238 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients’ array data were used for analyzing clinical features.RESULTSThe histone demethylase KDM5B was significantly highly expressed in HBV-related HCC cases (P < 0.01). In HBV proteins, only HBx up-regulated KDM5B by activating c-myc. Hepatic stem cell (HpSC) markers (EpCAM, AFP, PROM1, and NANOG) were significantly highly expressed in KDM5B-high HCC cases (P < 0.01). KDM5B played an important role in maintaining HpSC-like features and was associated with a poor prognosis. Moreover, inhibition of KDM5B suppressed spheroid formation and cell invasion in vitro.CONCLUSIONHBx activates the histone demethylase KDM5B and induces HPC-like features in HCC. Histone demethylases KDM5B may be an important therapeutic target against HBV-related HCC cases.
文摘Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) on the clock genes in LO2 cells and its significance. Methods: A cell line LO2-HBx, Stably transfected with HBx gene, was established. The levels of mRNA and protein expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. Resuits: The expression of CLOCK mRNA and protein were increased in cell line LO2-HBx (P 〈 0.05), while the expression of BMAL1 mRNA and protein were decreased in cell line LO2-HBx (P 〈 0.05). Conclusion: The expressions of core clock gene CLOCK and BMAL1 have been changed by HBx, which breaks down the previous circadian rhythm of liver cells. This maybe one of the reasons leads to the formation of liver cancer.
基金The grant from Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 0542068
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) to restrain the growth and invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein. METHODS: The pcDNA3.1-HBx plasmid was transfected into Chang cells by Lipofectamine in vitro, and Chang/HBx was co-cultured with IFN-α. Cell survival growth curve and clonogenicity assay were used to test the growth potential of Chang/pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx in vitro. Growth assay in nude mice was used to detect the growth potential of Chang/ pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx in vivo. Wound healing and transwell migration assays were used to detect the invasive ability of Chang/pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx. RESULTS: Compared with CCL13 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1, CCL13 with stable expression of hepatitis B virus X protein showed the characteristics of malignant cells with high capability of growth and invasion by detecting their growth curves, colony forming efficiency, wound healing , transwell migration assays and growth assays in nude mice. Its capability of growth and invasion could be controlled by IFN-α. CONCLUSION: IFN-α can restrain the growth and invasive potential of HCC cells induced by HBx protein, which has provided an experimental basis for IFN-α therapy of HCC.
文摘The chronic infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV) is closely related to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Accumulated evidence has shown that HBV X protein(HBx protein) is a multifunctional regulator with a crucial role in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, information on the mechanism by which HBV induces HCC is lacking. This review focuses on the pathological functions of HBx in HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. As a transactivator, HBx can modulate nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB) and transcription factor AP-2. Moreover, HBx can affect regulatory non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs) including microRNAs and long ncRNAs(lncRNAs), such as miRNA-205 and highly upregulated in liver cancer(HULC), respectively. HBx is also involved in epigenetic modification, including methylation and acetylation. HBx interacts with various signal-transduction pathways, such as protein kinase B/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, signal transducer and activator of transcription, and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, HBx affects cellular fate by shifting the balance toward cell survival. HBx may lead to the loss of apoptotic functions or directly contributes to oncogenesis by achieving transforming functions, which induce hepatocarcinogenesis. Additionally, HBx can modulate apoptosis and immune response by direct or indirect interaction with host factors. We conclude that HBx hastens the development of hepatoma.
基金This work was supported by Natural Science Foundationof Hunan Province (No. 06JJ4108)the Hygienic Committee of Hunan Province (No. B2005-084).
文摘Objective: To provide the experimental basis for further studying the molecular transformation mechanism of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) on hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Reconstructed plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-HBx was transfected into THP-1 macrophages. Expression of HBx was assayed in macrophages lysate by Western-blotting, and TNF-α and IL-1β contents were detected respectively by ELISA. All the data were analyzed by SPSS13.0. Results: In THP-lmacrophages, the pcDNA3.1(+)-HBx plasmid expressed HBx with a molecular weight of about 17 KDa demonstrated by Western-blotting. The secreted TNF-α and IL-1β from macrophages were determined by ELISA, the results from analysis of all groups showed as following: control group was different from LPS group and pcDNA3.1(+) group (P〈0.01), and so was pcDNA3.1(+)-HBx group; but there was no obvious difference between pcDNA3.1(+) group and LPS group (P〉0.05), all of which indicated that transient overexpression of HBx enhanced LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-1β by macrophages. Conclusion: Transient overexpression of HBx up-regulates LPS-induced TNF-t~ and IL-113 secretion of macrophages.
基金Supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China(GrantNo.30772360)Nature Science Foundation of Health Department of Hubei Province,China(No.JX4B48)Fund of Yangtze University for Doctor(No.2009001)
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Methods:The plasmid pCI-neo-X that carries the X gene of hepatitis B virus was transfected into cultured GMCs.HBx expression in the transfected GMCs was assessed by Western-blot.TNF-αprotein and mRNA were assessed by ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR,respectively.Three kinase inhibitors-U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs);lactacvstin,an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB);and SB203580,a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase(p38 MAPK)were used to determine which intracellular signal pathways may underlie the action of HBx on TNF-αexpression in transfected GMCs.Results:A significant increase in HBx expression in pCI-neo-X transfected GMCs was detected at 36 h and 48 h,which was not affected by any of those kinase inhibitors mentioned above.A similar increase in the expression of both TNF-αprotein and mRNA was also observed at 36 h and 48 h,which was significantly decreased in the presence of U0126 or lactacytin,but not SB203580.Conclusions:HBx upregulates TNF-αexpression in cultured GMCs,possibly through ERKs and NF-κB pathway,but not p38 MAPK pathway.
文摘Hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx) plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In addition, hepatoma upregulated protein(HURP) is a cellular oncogene that is upregulated in a majority of HCC cases. We highlight here recent findings demonstrating a link between HBx, HURP and anti-apoptosis effects observed in cisplatin-treated HCC cells. We observed that Hep3B cells overexpressing HBx display increased HURP mRNA and protein levels, and show resistance to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of HURP in HBx-expressing cells reverses this effect, and sensitizes cells to cisplatin. The anti-apoptotic effect of HBx requires activation of the p38/MAPK pathway as well as expression of SATB1, survivin and HURP. Furthermore, silencing of HURP using short-hairpin RNA promotes accumulation of p53 and reduces cell proliferation in SK-Hep-1 cells(p53^(+/–)), whereas these effects are not observed in p53-mutant Mahlavu cells. Similarly, HURP silencing does not affect the proliferation of H1299 lung carcinoma cells or Hep3 B HCC cells which lack p53. Silencing of HURP sensitizes SK-Hep-1 cells to cisplatin. While HURP overexpression promotes p53 ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome, HURP silencing reverses these effects. Inoculation of SK-Hep-1 cancer cells in which HURP has been silenced produces smaller tumors than control in nude mice. Besides, gankyrin, a positive regulator of the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2, is upregulated following HURP expression, and silencing of gankyrin reduces HURP-mediated downregulation of p53. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between HURP and gankyrin protein levels in HCC patients(r^2 = 0.778; n = 9). These findings suggest a role for the viral protein HBx and the host protein HURP in preventing p53-mediated apoptosis during cancer progression and establishment of chemoresistance.
文摘Histone lysine methyltransferase EZH2 has been reported to be frequently overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) tissues and associated with hepatocarcinogenesis.However,the exact mechanism of EZH2 up-regulation in HCC has not been determined.In this study,we used murine hepatocyte AML12 cells to investigate the role of hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx) in regulating the expression of mEZH2.Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression level of mEZH2 protein in AML12 cells was up-regulated by HBx in a dose-dependent manner.To further investigate the mechanism of mEZH2 overexpression,the 2500 bp regulatory sequence upstream from the first exon of the mEZH2 gene was amplified from AML12 genomic DNA and constructed into a luciferase reporter plasmid.The luciferase activity of the mEZH2 promoter significantly increased in AML12 cells co-transfected with HBx plasmid,and deleting the-486/-214 promoter region decreased HBx-induced mEZH2 promoter activation by nearly 50%.The-486/-214 region was then analyzed in the TRANSFAC 6.0 database and a typical E2F1-binding site was found.Mutation of this E2F1-binding site or knockdown of E2F1 expression by RNAi led to a dramatic decrease in HBx-induced activation of the mEZH2 promoter and mEZH2 overexpression in AML12 cells.These results provide evidence that HBx up-regulates mEZH2 expression by transactivating the mEZH2 promoter through E2F1 transcription factor,thereby providing new epigenetic evidence for the carcinogenic effect of HBx.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China[82170604,82070574,82122009]the Natural Science Foundation Team Project of Guangdong Province[2018B03031200].
文摘Background:Excessive alcohol intake with hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection accelerates chronic liver disease progression and patients with HBV infection are more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver disease.Hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx)plays a crucial role in disease pathogenesis,while its specific role in alcoholic liver disease(ALD)progression has not yet been elucidated.Here,we studied the role of HBx on the development of ALD.Methods:HBx-transgenic(HBx-Tg)mice and their wild-type littermates were exposed to chronic plus binge alcohol feeding.Primary hepatocytes,cell lines,and human samples were used to investigate the interaction between HBx and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2).Lipid profiles in mouse livers and cells were assessed by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results:We identified that HBx significantly aggravated alcohol-induced steatohepatitis,oxidative stress,and lipid peroxidation in mice.In addition,HBx induced worse lipid profiles with high lysophospholipids generation in alcoholic steatohepatitis,as shown by using lipidomic analysis.Importantly,serum and liver acetaldehyde were markedly higher in alcoholfed HBx-Tg mice.Acetaldehyde induced lysophospholipids generation through oxidative stress in hepatocytes.Mechanistically,HBx directly bound to mitochondrial ALDH2 to induce its ubiquitin–proteasome degradation,resulting in acetaldehyde accumulation.More importantly,we also identified that patients with HBV infection reduced ALDH2 protein levels in the liver.Conclusions:Our study demonstrated that HBx-induced ubiquitin-dependent degradation of mitochondrial ALDH2 aggravates alcoholic steatohepatitis.
文摘脆性X综合征(fragile X syndrome,FXS)是FMR1基因CGG异常重复扩增导致的疾病。本文报告1对经基因检测诊断为FXS的兄弟,2例患者分别为15岁和14岁,均存在语言障碍、智力障碍、注意力缺陷障碍、孤独症谱系障碍和FXS特征性面容等临床表现,其中先证者伴有罕见的晚发性癫痫发作,经左乙拉西坦治疗效果良好,而其弟弟经反复随访未见脑电图异常。该对病例提示FXS临床表型具有多样性和异质性。