Detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in hepatocellular carcinoma: methylation of integrated viral DNA.
In order to determine whether integrated hepatitis B virus DNA sequences in primary liver tumours are methylated we have analysed tumour DNA digested with either MspI or HpaII restriction endonuclease by Southern hybridization. Our results demonstrate methylation in 11 of 17 tumour DNA samples. Where possible, we have examined the tumour tissues for expression of HBsAg and HBcAg using the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. One tumour was positive for both HBsAg and HBcAg and a second was positive for HBsAg alone. Both of these tumours were in the group in which methylation of integrated HBV DNA sequences could not be detected. We postulate that methylation of integrated HBV DNA sequences may influence HBV gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Chen
J Y
JY
Department of Bacteriology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei.
Hsu
H C
HC
Lee
C S
CS
Chen
D S
DS
Zuckerman
A J
AJ
Harrison
T J
TJ
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000382:microbiology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology*; D008745:Methylation
D004279:DNA, Viral; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens