Specific activation of 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase gene promoter by hepatitis C virus-core protein: a potential for developing hepatitis C virus targeting gene therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To examine whether 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) gene promoter can be specifically activated by hepatitis C virus (HCV)-core protein.

Methods

Human embryo hepatic cell line L02 was transfected with pcDNA3.1-core plasmid and selected by G418. Expression of HCV-core was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The OAS promoter sequence was amplified from the genomic DNA and inserted into pGL3-basic vector. The resultant pGL3-OAS-Luci plasmid was transiently transfected into L02/core cells and luciferase activity was assayed.

Results

L02/core cell line stably expressing HCV-core protein was established. The pGL3-OAS-Luci construct exhibited significant transcriptional activity in the L02/core cells but not in the L02 cells.

Conclusion

HCV-core protein activates the OAS gene promoter specifically and effectively. Utilization of OAS gene promoter would be an ideal strategy for developing HCV-specific gene therapy.

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2705743 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature