HBx mutants differentially affect the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mutations in HBx gene are frequently found in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) contributes to HCC development and progression. Wild-type HBx has been demonstrated to activate HIF-1α, but the effect of HBx mutations on HIF-1α has not been elucidated.

Methods

HBx mutations were identified by gene sequencing in 101 HCC tissues. Representative HBx mutants were cloned and transfected into HCC cells. Expression and activation of HIF-1α were analysed by western blot and luciferase assays, respectively. The relationship between HBx mutants and HIF-1α expression in HCC tissues was also evaluated.

Results

The dual mutations K130M/V131I enhanced the functionality of HBx as they upregulated the expression

SUBMITTER: Liu LP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3929872 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature