title: A proteomics analysis of cellular proteins associated with HBV genotype-specific HBX: potential in identification of early diagnostic markers for HCC.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world and causes approximately one million deaths every year. HCC is highly prevalent in Asia and closely associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with HBX protein playing a key role in the hepatocarcinogenic process. In addition, HBV genotypes B and C are clinically associated with different outcome of infection. Reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of HCC are needed for effective treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We propose to establish a proteomics approach to identify cellular proteins associated with HBX of a particular genotype.
  
  
  METHODS
  Genotype-specific HBXs are used to transfect non-HCC Chang cells. Transfected cell extracts are analyzed by proteomics approach to identify cellular proteins associated with specific HBX.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A number of cellular proteins have been found to be specifically associated with HBX of genotype B or C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that proteomics approach could be used to identify cellular proteins associated with HBV infection of specific genotype. Similar approach could be deployed in the identification of molecular markers for early diagnosis of HCC.
authors.affiliation: Hepatitis Viruses and Liver Cancer Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive 05N-10, 637551 Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Tuan Lin
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Wei Ning
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D015415:Biomarkers; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002460:Cell Line; D005838:Genotype; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D040901:Proteomics; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014162:Transfection; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D011506:Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins; C057628:hepatitis B virus X protein