Identification and characterization of a G-quadruplex structure in the pre-core promoter region of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA.

ABSTRACT: Approximately 250 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and are at increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HBV genome persists as covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which serves as the template for all HBV mRNA transcripts. Current nucleos(t)ide analogs used to treat HBV do not directly target the HBV cccDNA genome and thus cannot eradicate HBV infection. Here, we report the discovery of a unique G-quadruplex structure in the pre-core promoter region of the HBV genome that is conserved among nearly all genotypes. This region is central to critical steps in the viral life cycle, including the generation of pregenomic RNA, synthesis of core and polymerase proteins, and genome encapsidation; thus, an increased

SUBMITTER: Meier-Stephenson V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8094906 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature