[HCV core protein activates expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in HepG(2) cells].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effect of HCV core protein on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in HepG(2) cells.


METHODS
The HCV core gene cDNA was recoverd by PCR, and cloned into PBK-CMV. The recombinant plasmid (PBK-HCVc) and the vector-alone were transfected into HepG(2) cells with liposome. After being selected with G418,resistant colonies were obtained. The reverse transcription PCR and Western blot was analyzed to show HCV core protein expression. VEGF was analyzed by immunohistochemical and Western blot; VEGF mRNA was analyzed by in situ hybridization and reverse transcription PCR.


RESULTS
The results suggest that the recombinant plasmid could express HCV core protein efficiently under the control of vector's promoter. The VEGF of HepG(2)-C cells was higher than that of HepG(2)-CMV.


CONCLUSIONS
HCV C protein can activates the expression of VEGF in HepG(2) cells and may contributes to viral carcinogenesis.
Liu
C
C
Department of Gastroenterology, Southwestern Hospital, Third Military Medical College,Chongqing 400038, China.
Liu
W
W
Yang
J
J
Fang
D
D
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D014758:Viral Core Proteins; C069130:nucleocapsid protein, Hepatitis C virus