Specific activation of 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase gene promoter by hepatitis C virus-core protein: a potential for developing hepatitis C virus targeting gene therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) gene promoter can be specifically activated by hepatitis C virus (HCV)-core protein.


METHODS
Human embryo hepatic cell line L02 was transfected with pcDNA3.1-core plasmid and selected by G418. Expression of HCV-core was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The OAS promoter sequence was amplified from the genomic DNA and inserted into pGL3-basic vector. The resultant pGL3-OAS-Luci plasmid was transiently transfected into L02/core cells and luciferase activity was assayed.


RESULTS
L02/core cell line stably expressing HCV-core protein was established. The pGL3-OAS-Luci construct exhibited significant transcriptional activity in the L02/core cells but not in the L02 cells.


CONCLUSIONS
HCV-core protein activates the OAS gene promoter specifically and effectively. Utilization of OAS gene promoter would be an ideal strategy for developing HCV-specific gene therapy.
Wang
Ying
Y
Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Mao
Shan-Shan
SS
He
Qiong-Qiong
QQ
Zi
Yuan
Y
Wen
Ji-Fang
JF
Feng
De-Yun
DY
D015088:2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002460:Cell Line; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D014758:Viral Core Proteins; C069130:nucleocapsid protein, Hepatitis C virus; D015088:2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase