Autologous cytokine-induced killer cell therapy in clinical trial phase I is safe in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma

To investigate the influence of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells on the phenotypes of CIK effector cells, peripheral T lymphocyte subsets and dendritic cell subsets in patients with primary hepatocellular cardnoma (HCC).

Association between HLA class Ⅱ gene and susceptibility or resistance to chronic hepatitis B

AIM: To investigate the association between the polymorphism of HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 alleles and viral hepatitis B.METHODS: HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 alleles in 54patients with chronic hepatitis B, 30 patients with acute hepatitis B and 106 normal control subjects were analyzed by using the polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primer (PCR/SSP) technique.RESULTS: The allele frequency of HLA-DRB1*0301 in the chronic hepatitis B group was markedly higher than that in the normal control group (17.31% VS 5.67%), there was a significant correlation between them (χ2= 12.3068,Pc=0.0074, RR=4.15). The allele frequency of HLADQA1*0501 in the chronic hepatitis B group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (25.96% VS 13.68%), there was a significant correlation between them (χ2=9.2002, PC＝0.0157, RR=2.87). The allele frequency of HLA-DQB1*0301 in the chronic hepatitis B group was notably higher than that in the normal control group (35.58%vs 18.87%), there was a significant correlation between them (χ2=15.5938, PC=0.0075, RR=4.07). The allele frequency of HLA-DRB1*1101/1104 in the chronic hepatitis B group was obviously lower than that in the normal control group (0.96% VS 13.33%), there was a significant correlation between them (χ2=11.9206, PC=0.0145, RR=18.55). The allele frequency of HLA-DQA1*0301 in the chronic hepatitis B group was remarkably lower than that in the normal control group (14.42% VS30%), there was a significant correlation between them (χ2=8.7396, Pc=0.0167, RR=0.35).CONCLUSION: HLA-DRB1*0301, HLA-DQA1*0501 and HLA-DQB1*0301 are closely related with susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B, and HLA-DRB1*1101/1104 and HLADQA1*0301 are closely related with resistance to chronic hepatitis B. These findings suggest that host HLA class Ⅱ gene is an important factor determining the outcome of HBV infection.

Assessment of resin perfusion in hepatic failure in vitro and in vivo

AIM:To observe the adsorbent effect of resin on endotoxin,cytokine, bilirubin in plasma of patients with hepatic failure and to determine the resin perfusion as an artificial liver support system in the treatment of hepatic failure.METHODS:One thousand milliliters of discarded plasma was collected from each of 6 severe hepatitis patients treated with plasma exchange. The plasma was passed through a resin perfusion equipment for 1-2h via extracorporeal circulation, and then absorbent indicators of transaminase,bilirubin, blood ammonia,endotoxin and cytokines were examined. In the meantime, study of in vivo resin plasma perfusion was performed on 7 severe hepatitis patients to compare the changes of endotoxin and cytokines in blood before and after perfusion.RESULTS: The levels of total bilirubin, endotoxin, interleukin 1β and TNF-α in plasma were significantly decreased after in vitro resin plasma perfusion.The levels of interleukin 1β,TNF-α and endotoxin in blood were also evidently declined after in vivo resin plasma perfusion. Nevertheless, no obvious changes in IL-6, creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (UN),blood ammonia and electrolytes were found beth in vitro and in vivo.CONCLUSION:Bilirubin, endotoxin and cytokines in plasma of patients with hepatic failure can be effectively adsorbed by resin in vitro. Most cytokines and endotoxin in plasma can also be effectively removed by resin in vivo. It demonstrates that resin perfusion may have good treatment efficacy on hepatic failure and can be expected to slow down the progression of hepatic failure.

Synergetic anticancer effect of combined quercetin and recombinant adenoviral vector expressing human wild-type p53,GM-CSF and B7-1 genes on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

AIM: This study investigated the anti-cancer effect ofcombined quercetin and a recombinant adenovirus vectorexpressing the human p53, GM-CSF and B7-1 genes(designated BB-102) on human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell lines in vitro.METHODS: The sensitivity of HCC cells to anticancer agentswas evaluated by 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The viability of cells infectedwith BB-102 was determined by trypan blue exclusion. Theexpression levels of human wild-type p53, GM-CSF and B7-1genes were determined by Western blot, enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometric analysis,respectively. The apoptosis of BB-102-infected or quercetin-treated HCC cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT) assay or DNA ladder electrophoresis.RESULTS: Quercetin was found to suppress proliferation ofhuman HCC cell lines BEL-7402, HUH-7 and HLE, with peaksuppression at 50 μmol/L quercetin. BB-102 infection wasalso found to significantly suppress proliferation of HCC celllines. The apoptosis of BB-102-infected HCC cells was greaterin HLE and HUH-7 cells than in BEL-7402 cells. Quercetin didnot affect the expression of the three exogenous genes inBB-102-infected HCC cells (P＞0.05), but it was found to furtherdecrease proliferation and promote apoptosis of BB-102-infected HCC cells.CONCLUSION: BB-102 and quercetin synergeticallysuppress HCC cell proliferation and induce HCC cell apoptosis,suggesting a possible use as a combined anti-cancer agent.

Inhibition of human La protein by RNA interference downregulates hepatitis B virus mRNA in 2.2.15 cells

AIM: To investigate the role of human La protein in HBV mRNA expression.METHODS: Three human La protein (hLa) specific siRNA expression cassettes (SECs) containing U6+1 promoter were prepared via one-step overlapping extension PCR. After transfection with SECs into HepG2 cells, inhibition effects on hLa expression were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. Then, effective SECs were screened out and transfected into 2.2.15 cells, a stable HBV-producing cell line. HBV surface antigen(HBsAg) and e antigen (HBeAg) secretions into culture media were detected by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) and HBs and HBe mRNA levels were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.RESULTS: SEC products containing U6+1 snRNA promoter,and 3 sites of hLa mRNA specific siRNA were obtained successfully by one-step overlapping extension PCR and could be directly transfected into HepG2 cells, resulting in inhibition of La protein expression in both mRNA and protein levels, among which U6+l-hLa833 was the most efficient,which reduced 18.6-fold mRNA and 89% protein level respectively. In 2.2.15 cells, U6+l-hLa833 was also efficient on inhibition of hLa expression. Furthermore, semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that HI3s and HBe mRNA levels were significantly decreased by 8-and 66-fold in U6+l-hLa833 transfected cells compared to control. Accordingly, HBsAg and HBeAg secretions were decreased partly posttransfection with SECs.CONCLUSION: PCR-based SECs can be used to mediate RNAi in mammalian cells and provide a novel approach to study the function of La protein. The inhibition of La protein expression can result in a significant decrease ofHBV mRNA, which implies that the hLa protein is also involved HBV RNA metabolism as one of the HBV RNA-stabilizing factors in human cells.

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus surface antigen expression by small hairpin RNA in vitro

AIM: To explore the anti-hepatitis B virus effect of RNA interference (RNAi) using small hairpin RNA (shRNA)expression vector.METHODS: Hepatitis B virus surface antigen green fluorescent protein (HBs-GFP) fusion vector and shRNA expression vectors were constructed and cotransfected transiently into HepG2 cells. mRNAs extracted from HepG2 cells were detected by real-time PCR. Fluorescence of HBs-GFP protein was detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The effective shRNA expression vector was transfected into HepG2.2.15 cells. HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2.2.15 cells were analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) method.RESULTS: FACS revealed that shRNA targeting at HBsAg reduced the GFP signal by 56% compared to the control.Real-time PCR showed that HBs-GFP mRNA extracted from HepG2 cells cotransfected with pAVU6+27 and HBs-GFP expression plasmids decreased by 90% compared to the empty vector control. The expressions of HBsAg and HBeAg were also inhibited by 43% and 64%, respectively.CONCLUSION: RNAi using shRNA expression vector can inhibit the expression of HBsAg, providing a fresh approach to screening the efficient small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).

Enhancing cellular immune response to HBV M DNA vaccine in mice by codelivery of interleukin-18 recombinant

Objective:To investigate the effect of interleukin-18 (IL-18) on immune response induced by plasmid encoding hepatitis B virus middle protein antigen and to explore new strategies for prophylactic and therapeutic HBV DNA vaccines.Methods:BALB/c mice were immunized with pCMV-M alone or co-immunized with pcDNA3-18 and pCMV-M and then their sera were collected for analysing anti-HBsAg antibody by ELISA;splenocytes were isolated for detecting specific CTL response and cytokine assay in vitro.Results:The anti-HBs antibody level of mice co-immunized with pcDNA3-18 and pCMV-M was slightly higher than that of mice immunized with pCMV-M alone,but there was not significantly different (P>0.05).Compared with mice injected with pCMV-M, the specific CTL cytotoxity activity of mice immunized with pcDNA3-18 and pCMV-M was significantly enhanced (P<0.05) and the level of IFN-γ in supernatant of splenocytes cultured with HBsAg in vitro was significantly elevated (P<0.05) while the level of IL-4 had no significant difference (P>0.05).Conclusion:The plasmid encoding IL-18 together with HBV M gene DNA vaccines may enhance specific TH1 cells and CTL cellular immune response induced in mice, so that IL-18 is a promising immune adjuvant.

Intestinal microflora in rats with ischemia/reperfusion liver injury

Objectives: To investigate the intestinal microflora status related to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) liver injury and explore the possible mechanism. Methods: Specific pathogen free grade Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: Control group (n=8), sham group (n=6) and I/R group (n=10). Rats in the control group did not receive any treatment, rats in the I/R group were subjected to 20 min of liver ischemia, and rats in the sham group were only subjected to sham operation. Twenty-two hours later, the rats were sacrificed and liver enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum endotoxin,intestinal bacterial counts, intestinal mucosal histology, bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and kidney were studied. Results: Ischemia/reperfusion increased liver enzymes, MDA, decreased SOD, and was associated with plasma endotoxin elevation in the I/R group campared to those in the sham group. Intestinal Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli decreased and intestinal Enterobacterium and Enterococcus, bacterial translocation to kidney increased in the I/R group compared to the sham group. Intestinal microvilli were lost, disrupted and the interspace between cells became wider in the I/R group.Conclusion: I/R liver injury may lead to disturbance of intestinal microflora and impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier function,which contributes to endotoxemia and bacterial translocation to kidney.

Primary hepatocyte culture in collagen gel mixture and collagen sandwich

AIM:To explore the methods of hepatocytes culture in a collagen gel mixture or between double layers of collagen sandwich configuration and to examine the functional and cytomorphological characteristics of cultured hepatocytes.METHODS: A two-step collagenase perfusion technique was used to isolate the hepatocytes from Wistar rats or newborn Chinese experimental piglets. The isolated hepatocytes were cultured in a collagen gel mixture or between double layers of collagen sandwich configuration respectively. The former was that rat hepatocytes were mixed with type I rat tail collagen solution till gelled, and the medium was added onto the gel. The latter was that swine hepatocytes were seeded on a plate precoated with collagen gel for 24 h, then another layer of collagen gel was overlaid, resulting in a sandwich configuration. The cytomorphological characteristics, albumin secretion, and LDH-release of the hepatocytes cultured in these two models were examined.RESULTS: Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were successfully mixed and fixed in collagen gel, and cultured in the gel condition. During the culture period, the urea synthesized and secreted by rat hepatocytes was detected throughout the period. Likewise, newborn experimental piglet hepatocytes were successfully fixed between the double layers of collagen gel, forming a sandwich configuration.Within a week of culture, the albumin secreted by swine hepatocytes was detected by SDS/PAGE analysis. The typical cytomorphological characteristics of the hepatocytes cultured by the above two culture models were found under a phase-contrast microscope. There was little LDH-release during the culture period.CONCLUSION: Both collagen gel mixture and double layers of collagen sandwich configuration can provide cultural conditions much closer to in vivoenvironment, and are helpful for maintaining specific hepatic functions and cytomorphological characteristics. A collagen gel mixture culture may be more eligible for the study of bioartificial livers.

Transactivating effect of hepatitis C virus core protein: A suppression subtractive hybridization study

AIM: To investigate the transactivating effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and to screen genes transactivated by HCV core protein. METHODS: pcDNA3.1(-)-core containing full-length HCV core gene was constructed by insertion of HCV core gene into EcoRI/BarnHI site. HepG2 cells were cotransfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-core and pSV-lacZ. After 48 h, cells were collected and detected for the expression of β-gal by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. HepG2 cell swere transiently transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-core using Upofectamine reagent. Cells were collected and total mRNA was isolated. A subtracted cDNA library was generated and constructed into a pGEM-Teasy vector. The library was amplified with E. coil strain JM109. The cDNAs were sequenced and analyzed in GenBank with BLAST search after polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The core mRNA and protein could be detected in HepG2 cell lysate which was transfected by the pcDNA3.1(-)-core. The activity of β-galactosidase in HepG2 cells transfected by the pcDNA3.1(-)-core was 5.4 times higher than that of HepG2 cells transfected by control plasmid. The subtractive library of genes transactivated by HCV core protein was constructed successfully. The amplified library contained 233 positive clones. Colony PCR showed that 213 clones contained 100-1 000 bp inserts. Sequence analysis was performed in 63 clones. Six of the sequences were unknown genes. The full length sequences were obtained with bioinformatics method, accepted by Genl3ank. It was suggested that six novel cDNA sequences might be target genes transactivated by HCV core protein. CONCLUSION: The core protein of HCV has transactivating effects on SV40 early promoter/enhancer. A total of 63 clones from cDNA library were randomly chosen and sequenced. Using the BLAST program at the National Center for Biotechnology Information, six of the sequences were unknown genes. The other 57 sequences were highly similar to known genes.

Transactivating effect of complete S protein of hepatitis B virus and cloning of genes transactivated by complete S protein using suppression subtractive hybridization technique

AIM: To investigate the transactivating effect of complete S protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and to construct a subtractive cDNA library of genes transactivated by complete S protein of HBV by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique and to clone genes associated with its transactivation activity, and to pave the way for elucidating the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus infection.METHODS: pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S containing full-length HBV S gene was constructed by insertion of HBV complete S gene into BarmH-I/Kpn I sites. HepG2 cells were cotransfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S and pSV-lacZ.After 48 h, cells were collected and detected for the expression of β-galactosidase (β-gal). Suppression subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics techniques were used.The mRNA of HepG2 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S and pcDNA3.1(-) empty vector was isolated,and detected for the expression of complete S protein by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)method, and cDNA was synthesized. After digestion with restriction enzyme RcaI, cDNA fragments were obtained.Tester cDNA was then divided into two groups and ligated to the specific adaptors 1 and 2, respectively. After tester cDNA had been hybridized with driver cDNA twice and underwent nested PCR twice, amplified cDNA fragments were subcloned into pGEM-Teasy vectors to set up the subtractive library. Amplification of the library was carried out within E. coli strain DH5α. The cDNA was sequenced and analyzed in GenBank with BLAST search after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.RESULTS: The complete S mRNA could be detected by RT-PCR in HepG2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S. The activity of β-gal in HepG2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S was 6.9 times higher than that of control plasmid. The subtractive library of genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein was constructed successfully. The amplified library contains 86 positive clones. Colony PCR showed that 86 clones contained DNA inserts of 200-1 000 bp, respectively.Sequence analysis was performed in 35 clones randomly,and the full length sequences were obtained with bioinformatics method and searched for homologous DNA sequence from GenBank, altogether 33 coding sequences were obtained. These cDNA sequences might be target genes transactivated by complete S protein of HBV. Moreover, two unknown genes were discovered, full length coding sequences were obtained by bioinformatics techniques,one of them was named complete S transactivated protein 1 (CSTP1) and registered in GenBank (AY553877).CONCLUSION: The complete S gene of HBV has a transactivating effect on SV40 early promoter. A subtractive cDNA library of genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein using SSH technique has been constructed successfully. The obtained sequences may be target genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein among which some genes coding proteins are involved in cell cycle regulation, metabolism, immunity, signal transduction, cell apoptosis and formation mechanism of hepatic carcinoma.

Effective inhibition of expression of hepatitis B virus genes by DNAzymes

AIM: To evaluate the inhibitory effects of DNAzymes on the expressions of hepatitis B virus (HBV) s (HBsAg) and e (HBeAg) in 2.2.15 cells, and to explore the potential therapeutic effects of DNAzymes on replication of HBV genome. METHODS: DNAzymes DrzBS and DrzBC specific to HBV (aywsubtype) s gene ORF A^157UG and e gene ORF A^1816UG, were designed and synthesized. Inhibitory effects of DrzBS or DrzBC on the expressions of HBV s and e genes as well as HBV DNA levels in culture supernatants were observed in 2.2.15 cells. RESULTS: After being treated with DrzBS or DrzBC, the expression of HBV s or e genes in 2.2.15 cells was depressed dramatically. The maximum inhibition rate was 94.2% and 91.8% for DrzBS and DrzBC, respectively. The concentration for effective inhibition of both DrzBS and DrzBC was within 0.1-2.5 μmol/L, showing a dosedependence. The efficiency of inhibiting HBsAg, HBeAg in 2.2.15 cells by DrzBS or DrzBC was higher than that of the same target genes by antisense oligonucleotides (ASON). The concentration for effective inhibition of DNAzymes was at least 10-fold lower compared with ASON controls. Neither inhibition on the replication of HBV DNA nor toxicity to 2.2.15 cells was observed. CONCLUSION: DrzBS and DrzBC can block the expression of HBV s- and e-genes in 2.2.15 cells and provide a specific and effective anti-HBV gene therapeutic means.

Association between TRAIL expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes and liver damage in chronic hepatitis B

AIM: To explore a novel mechanism for tumor necrosis factorrelated apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), upregulation of CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocytes participating in the pathophysiological process of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).METHODS: The levels of serum soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL),serum IFN-γ and membrane-bound TRAIL expression on peripheral leucocytes from 58 CHB patients were examined ELISA and flow cytometry respectively. The levels of TRAIL were compared with the baseline levels of 17 healthy controls, and correlation analysis was performed between ALT, TBIL, PT, morphological change in hepatic tissues, and serum IFN-γ.RESULTS: The results showed that TRAIL levels on membranes of CD4+, CD8+ T cells in CHB patients were much higher than those in healthy controls (P＜0.001),and were correlated with serum TBIL (r = 0.354, P = 0.008for CD4+ and r = 0.522, P = 0.000 for CD8+, respectively),ALT (r = 0.393, P = 0.003 for CD8+), PT (r = 0.385,P = 0.004 for CD8+) and serum IFN-γ level (r = 0.302,P = 0.011 for CD4+ and r= 0.307, P = 0.009 for CD8+).On the contrary to membrane-bound TRAIL expression,serum level of sTRAIL was not correlated with that of TBIL and PT, though it was higher than that of the normal population and was positively correlated with serum HBeAg expression (r = 0.695, P = 0.001).CONCLUSION: The expression level of TRAIL on the membrane of lymphocytes was upregulated and associated with the liver injury in CHB patients. These findings suggest that upregulation of TRAIL expression may be induced by virus antigen and inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ.

Genes transactivated by hepatitis C virus core protein, a microarray assay

AIM: To explore the new target genes transactivated by hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and to elucidate the pathogenesis of HCV infection.METHODS: Reverse transcribed cDNA was subjected tomicroarray assay. The coding gene transactivated by HCV core protein was cloned and analyzed with bioinformatics methods.RESULTS: The expressive vector of pcDNA3.1(-)-core was constructed and confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing and approved correct. mRNA was purified from HepG2 and HepG2 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-core, respectively. The cDNA derived was subjected to microarray assay. A new gene namedHCTP4 was cloned with molecular biological method in combination with bioinformatics method.CONCLUSION: HCV core is a potential transactivator.Microarray is an efficient and convenient method for analysis of differentially expressed genes.

Molecular epidemiological study on pre-X region of hepatitis B virus and identification of hepatocyte proteins interacting with whole-X protein by yeast two-hybrid

AIM: To identify the pre-X region in hepatitis B virus (HBV)genome and to study the relationship between the genotype and the pre-X region. To investigate the biological function of whole-X (pre-X plus X) protein, we performed yeast two-hybrid to screen proteins in liver interacting with whole-X protein.METHODS: The pre-X region of HBV was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, and was cloned to pGEM Teasy vector. After the target region was sequenced, Vector 8.0 software was used to analyze the sequences. The whole-X bait plasmid was constructed by using yeast two-hybrid system 3. Yeast strain AH109 was transformed. After expression of the whole-X protein in AH109 yeast strains was proved, yeast two-hybrid screening was performed by mating AH109 with Y187 containing liver cDNA library plasmid. The mated yeast was plated on quadruple dropout medium and assayed for α-gal activity. The interaction between whole-X protein and the protein obtained from positive colonies was further confirmed by repeating yeast two-hybrid. After extracting and sequencing of plasmid from blue colonies, we carried out analysis by bioinformatics. RESULTS: After sequencing, 27 of 45 clones (60%) were found encoding the pre-X peptide. Eighteen of twenty-seven clones (66.7%) of pre-X coding sequences were found from genotype C. Five positive colonies that interacted with whole-X protein were obtained and sequenced; namely, fetuin B, UDP glycosyltransferase 1 family-polypeptide A9, mannose-P-dolichol utilization defect 1, fibrinogen-B beta polypeptide, transmembrane 4 superfamily member 4CD81 (TM4SF4).CONCLUSION: The pre-X gene exists in HBV genome.Genes of proteins interacting with whole-X protein in hepatocytes were successfully cloned. These results brought some new clues for studying the biological functions of whole-X protein.

Study of apolipoprotein E genetic polymorphism in patients with atherosclerotic cerebral infarction

Objective : To explore the frequency and significance of ApoE gene polymorphisms in Chinese patiems with atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (ACI). Methods: Polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing, single nucleotide polymorphisms of ApoE gene were used to analyze 33 cases of patients with ACI and 35 controls. Results: The frequencies of ApoE gene single nucleotide polymorphisms 465C/G, 462C/G and 451delC in the ACI group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P <0.05) . The preva-lence of polymorphism 486G/T in the control group was significantly higher than that in the ACI group ( P =0.011 ). Conclusions : 465 C/G, 462C/G and 451 delC polymorphisms might be associated with ACI. 486GT allele might have protective effect on the pathogenesis of ACI.

Screening of hepatocyte proteins binding to complete S protein of hepatitis B virus by yeast-two hybrid system

AIM: To investigate the biological function of complete S protein and to look for proteins interacting with complete S protein in hepatocytes.METHODS: We constructed bait plasmid expressing complete S protein of HBV by cloning the gene of complete S protein into pGBKT7, then the recombinant plasmid DNA was transformed into yeast AH109 (a type). The transformed yeast AH109 was mated with yeast Y187 (α type) containing liver cDNA library plasmid in 2xYPDA medium. Diploid yeast was plated on synthetic dropout nutrient medium (SD/Trp-Leu-His-Ade) containing X-α-gal for selection and screening. After extracting and sequencing of plasmids from positive (blue) colonies, we underwent sequence analysis by bioinformatics.RESULTS: Nineteen colonies were selected and sequenced.Among them, five colonies were Homo sapiens solute carrier family 25, member 23 (SLC25A23), one was Homo sapiens calreticulin, one was human serum albumin (ALB)gene, one was Homo sapiens metallothionein 2A, two were Homo sapiens betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase,three were Homo sapiensNa+ and H+ coupled amino acid transport system N, one was Homo sapiens CD81 antigen (target of anti-proliferative antibody 1) (CD81), three were Homo sapiens diazepam binding inhibitor, two colonies were new genes with unknown function.CONCLUSION: The yeast-two hybrid system is an effective method for identifying hepatocyte proteins interacting with complete S protein of HBV. The complete S protein may bind to different proteins i.e., its multiple functions in vivo.

Cloning and identification of NS5A TP2gene and its spliced variant transactivated by hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 5A

AIM: To clone, identify and study new NSSATP2 gene and its spliced variant transactivated by hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5A. METHODS: On the basis of subtractive cDNA library of genes transactivated by NS5A protein of hepatitis C virus, the coding sequence of new gene and its spliced variant were obtained by bioinformatics method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to amplify/VSSATP2 gene. RESULTS: The coding sequence of a new gene and its spliced variant were cloned and identified successfully. CONCLUSION: A new gene has been recognized as the new target transactivated by HCV NS5A protein. These results brought some new clues for studying the biological functions of new genes and pathogenesis of the viral proteins.