The AMPK-related kinase SNARK regulates hepatitis C virus replication and pathogenesis through enhancement of TGF-β signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The biological and therapeutic importance of host cellular cofactors for viral replication has been recently appreciated. Here we examined the roles of SNF1/AMP kinase-related kinase (SNARK) in HCV replication and pathogenesis.

Methods

The JFH1 infection system and the full-length HCV replicon OR6 cell line were used. Gene expression was knocked down by siRNAs. SNARK mutants were created by site-directed mutagenesis. Intracellular mRNA levels were measured by qRT-PCR. Endogenous and overexpressed proteins were detected by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling was monitored by a luciferase reporter construct. Liver biopsy samples

SUBMITTER: Goto K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3866804 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature