A functional genomic screen reveals novel host genes that mediate interferon-alpha's effects against hepatitis C virus.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

The precise mechanisms by which IFN exerts its antiviral effect against HCV have not yet been elucidated. We sought to identify host genes that mediate the antiviral effect of IFN-α by conducting a whole-genome siRNA library screen.

Methods

High throughput screening was performed using an HCV genotype 1b replicon, pRep-Feo. Those pools with replicate robust Z scores ≥2.0 entered secondary validation in full-length OR6 replicon cells. Huh7.5.1 cells infected with JFH1 were then used to validate the rescue efficacy of selected genes for HCV replication under IFN-α treatment.

Results

We identified and confirmed 93 human genes involved in the IFN-α anti-HCV effect using a whole-genome siRNA library. Gene ontology analysis revealed that mRNA processing (2

SUBMITTER: Zhao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3261326 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature