Aim: To investigate the effect of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein on the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2).
Methods: The genes encoded HCV core protein were amplified from plasmid containing full length genome of HCV strain H77 using PCR, and were cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1. The recombinant HCV-C/pcDNA3.1 was transiently co-transfected into HepG2 cells with luciferase reporter vector containing COX-2 promotor (COX2pro1.5 kb/luc). The luciferase activity and COX-2 protein expression were detected.
Results: The recombinants HCV-C/pcDNA3.1 have been constructed successfully. The luciferase activity of COX-2 promotor was activated by the expressed HCV core, and the increased protein expression of COX-2 in transfected HepG2 cells was detected by Western blot.
Conclusion: HCV core protein can activate the COX-2 promotor and induce its expression, which provides a new experimental basis for further research on relationship between COX-2 and HCV pathogenesis.