[The effect of HCV core protein on the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in HepG2 cells].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein on the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2).


METHODS
The genes encoded HCV core protein were amplified from plasmid containing full length genome of HCV strain H77 using PCR, and were cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1. The recombinant HCV-C/pcDNA3.1 was transiently co-transfected into HepG2 cells with luciferase reporter vector containing COX-2 promotor (COX2pro1.5 kb/luc). The luciferase activity and COX-2 protein expression were detected.


RESULTS
The recombinants HCV-C/pcDNA3.1 have been constructed successfully. The luciferase activity of COX-2 promotor was activated by the expressed HCV core, and the increased protein expression of COX-2 in transfected HepG2 cells was detected by Western blot.


CONCLUSIONS
HCV core protein can activate the COX-2 promotor and induce its expression, which provides a new experimental basis for further research on relationship between COX-2 and HCV pathogenesis.
Liu
Yan-li
YL
Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
Yan
Yan
Y
Bai
Wen-tao
WT
Zhang
Fang-lin
FL
Lu
Xin
X
Zhang
Wei
W
Xu
Zhi-kai
ZK
D015153:Blotting, Western; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology
D014758:Viral Core Proteins; C069130:nucleocapsid protein, Hepatitis C virus; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human