A single nucleotide polymorphism associated with hepatitis C virus infections located in the distal region of the IL28B promoter influences NF-κB-mediated gene transcription.

ABSTRACT: Persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is observed only in a subset of infected individuals and among them only some respond to treatment. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) carried out around the world identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL28B locus that are strongly associated with both HCV clearance and treatment response. The functional significance of these associations however, is not clear. In this report we show that an SNP rs28416813 in the distal promoter region of IL28B that is in close proximity to a non-consensus NF-κB-binding site affects downstream reporter gene expression. The effect is likely due to differential binding of NF-κB at the non-consensus site. The non-protective allele showed a reduction in luciferase reporter gene expression

SUBMITTER: Chinnaswamy S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3792970 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature