Mutual antagonism between hepatitis B viral mRNA and host microRNA let-7.

ABSTRACT: The interplay between viral and host factors plays a major role in viral pathogenesis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem that leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although HBV proteins have been studied extensively about their implication in hepatocarcinogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis are still largely unknown. A recent concept in gene regulation, in which competitive endogenous RNAs compete for common microRNAs (miRNAs), suggests that mRNA targets are key elements in the regulation of miRNA availability. Here, we show that HBV mRNA in the preS2 region can be targeted by host miRNA let-7 g. This leads to the sequestration of let-7 g and inhibition of let-7 g function. The expression of HBV transcripts, including the preS2

SUBMITTER: Takata A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4793232 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature