RNAi-based knockdown of HBx mRNA in HBx-transformed and HBV-producing human liver cells.
RNA interference (RNAi) is the process of sequence-specific gene silencing induced by 21-23-nt RNA of small interfering RNA (siRNA). The HBx of hepatitis B virus (HBV) causing human liver diseases has been known as a multifunctional protein which affects transcription, cell growth, and apoptotic cell death. Here, we demonstrate that the HBx-specific siRNA (siRNAx) and short hairpin RNA (shRNAx) effectively induce the degradation of HBx mRNA in HBx-transformed and HBV-producing human liver cells by up to 80-90%. Also, the HBx expression in HBx-transformed cells was continuously silenced by retransformation with the shRNAx expression vector. These results imply that HBx-driven RNAi, either delivery of siRNAx or expression of shRNAx, provides a promising anti-HBV approach to suppress the HBx expression in human hepatoma cells.
Kim
Young Ha
YH
Indang Institute of Molecular Biology, Inje University, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
Joong Hyuk
JH
Paik
Nak Whan
NW
Rho
Hyune Mo
HM
D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D034622:RNA Interference; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics*; D014170:Transformation, Genetic; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins; D014779:Virus Replication
D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D012367:RNA, Viral; D015534:Trans-Activators; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins; C057628:hepatitis B virus X protein