Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes the stem-like properties of OV6⁺ cancer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) and cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) have both been implicated in the occurrence and development of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether HBx contributes to the stem-like properties of OV6⁺ CSCs in HCC remains elusive. In this study, we showed that the concomitant expression of HBx and OV6 was closely associated with the clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients with HBV-related HCC. HBx was required for the stem-like properties of OV6⁺ liver CSCs, including self-renewal, stem cell-associated gene expression, tumorigenicity and chemoresistance. Mechanistically, HBx enhanced expression of MDM2 by directly binding with MDM2 and inhibiting its ubiquitin-directed self-degradation. MDM2 translocation into the nucleus

SUBMITTER: Wang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5386392 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature