Possible mechanism for hepatitis B virus X gene to induce apoptosis of hepatocytes

World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Jul 28;11(28):4351-6. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i28.4351.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the possible mechanism for HBV X gene to induce apoptosis of hepatocyte HL-7702 cells.

Methods: HBV X gene eukaryon expression vector pcDNA3-X was established and transfected into HL-7702 cells by lipid-mediated transfection, including transient and stable transfection. Positive clones were screened by incubating in the selective medium with 600 microg/mL G418 and named HL-7702/HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) cells. The expressions of Fas/FasL, Bax/Bcl-2, and c-myc mRNA were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in HL-7702/HBx and control group, respectively.

Results: RT-PCR analysis confirmed that HBV X gene was transfected into HL-7702 cells successfully. By semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis, Bax and c-myc mRNA levels in HL-7702/HBx cells of transient transfection were significantly higher than those in control, FasL and c-myc mRNA levels in HL-7702/HBx cells of stable transfection were significantly higher than those in control, whereas the Bcl-2 mRNA levels in HL-7702/HBx cells of transient and stable transfection were significantly lower than those in control.

Conclusion: HBV X gene may promote the apoptosis of hepatocytes by regulating the expressions of Fas/FasL, Bax/Bcl-2, and c-myc gene in a dose-dependent manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics*
  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
  • Hepatocytes / cytology*
  • Hepatocytes / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Trans-Activators / genetics*
  • Transfection
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins

Substances

  • Trans-Activators
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins
  • hepatitis B virus X protein