Cloning and characterization of a novel hepatitis B virus x binding protein that inhibits viral replication.

ABSTRACT: The hepatitis B virus and the mammalian hepadnavirus genomes encode for a short open reading frame called x. Expression of the protein product (HBx) appears necessary for establishment of natural infection. However, in vitro studies have suggested a multifunctional role for HBx as an indirect transcriptional transactivator of a variety of different viral and cellular promoters. Indeed, HBx has no known direct DNA binding properties but may interact with transcription factors as well as activate intracellular signaling pathways associated with cell growth. To further address the possible functional role of HBx in the life cycle of hepatitis B virus, we performed an analysis using the yeast two-hybrid system to screen a cDNA library derived from a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with a HB

SUBMITTER: Melegari M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC109461 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature