title: The tandem-repeat polymorphism of the DC-SIGNR gene in HCV infection.
abstract: The C-type lectin DC-SIGNR has been shown to bind hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here, we analysed the tandem-repeat polymorphism of the DC-SIGNR gene with respect to intraindividual HCV replication. In a cross-sectional comparison HCV-infected patients (n = 430) and healthy subjects (n = 100) were genotyped for the DC-SIGNR polymorphism using PCR. The distribution of DC-SIGNR alleles did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, HCV-infected patients with 5-, 6-, and 7-repeat alleles had higher HCV-RNA levels when compared with carriers of 4- and 9-repeat alleles (P < 0.05). Thus, the DC-SIGNR polymorphism might affect HCV loads supporting the concept that DC-SIGNR contributes to HCV replication efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine I, Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany. jacob.nattermann@ukb.uni-bonn.de
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nattermann
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ahlenstiel
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Berg
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Feldmann
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Nischalke
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rockstroh
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Woitas
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sauerbruch
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Spengler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000483:Alleles; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000235:genetics*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000254:growth & development*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000235:genetics* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000235:genetics*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics*; D020080:Tandem Repeat Sequences
chemical_list: C433029:CLEC4M protein, human; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D004247:DNA