1
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Zhang Y, Yuan X, Wang J, Han M, Lu H, Wang Y, Liu S, Yang S, Xing HC, Cheng J. TRPV4 promotes HBV replication and capsid assembly via methylation modification of H3K4 and HBc ubiquitin. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29510. [PMID: 38573018 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant burden on global public health. Unfortunately, current treatments cannot fully alleviate this burden as they have limited effect on the transcriptional activity of the tenacious covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) responsible for viral persistence. Consequently, the HBV life cycle should be further investigated to develop new anti-HBV pharmaceutical targets. Our previous study discovered that the host gene TMEM203 hinders HBV replication by participating in calcium ion regulation. The involvement of intracellular calcium in HBV replication has also been confirmed. In this study, we found that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) notably enhances HBV reproduction by investigating the effects of several calcium ion-related molecules on HBV replication. The in-depth study showed that TRPV4 promotes hepatitis B core/capsid protein (HBc) protein stability through the ubiquitination pathway and then promotes the nucleocapsid assembly. HBc binds to cccDNA and reduces the nucleosome spacing of the cccDNA-histones complex, which may regulate HBV transcription by altering the nucleosome arrangement of the HBV genome. Moreover, our results showed that TRPV4 promotes cccDNA-dependent transcription by accelerating the methylation modification of H3K4. In conclusion, TRPV4 could interact with HBV core protein and regulate HBV during transcription and replication. These data suggest that TRPV4 exerts multifaceted HBV-related synergistic factors and may serve as a therapeutic target for CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongping Lu
- Beijing Pan-Asia Tongze Institute of Biomedicine Co, Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The First Section of Liver Disease, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunai Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Chun Xing
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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2
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Ioniuc I, Lupu A, Tarnita I, Mastaleru A, Trandafir LM, Lupu VV, Starcea IM, Alecsa M, Morariu ID, Salaru DL, Azoicai A. Insights into the Management of Chronic Hepatitis in Children-From Oxidative Stress to Antioxidant Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3908. [PMID: 38612717 PMCID: PMC11011982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research has generated awareness of the existence of various pathophysiological pathways that contribute to the development of chronic diseases; thus, pro-oxidative factors have been accepted as significant contributors to the emergence of a wide range of diseases, from inflammatory to malignant. Redox homeostasis is especially crucial in liver pathology, as disturbances at this level have been linked to a variety of chronic diseases. Hepatitis is an umbrella term used to describe liver inflammation, which is the foundation of this disease regardless of its cause. Chronic hepatitis produces both oxidative stress generated by hepatocyte inflammation and viral inoculation. The majority of hepatitis in children is caused by a virus, and current studies reveal that 60-80% of cases become chronic, with many young patients still at risk of advancing liver damage. This review intends to emphasize the relevance of understanding these pathological redox pathways, as well as the need to update therapeutic strategies in chronic liver pathology, considering the beneficial effects of antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Ioniuc
- Department of Mother and Child, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.I.); (I.T.); (L.M.T.); (I.M.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Ancuta Lupu
- Department of Mother and Child, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.I.); (I.T.); (L.M.T.); (I.M.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Irina Tarnita
- Department of Mother and Child, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.I.); (I.T.); (L.M.T.); (I.M.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Alexandra Mastaleru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - Laura Mihaela Trandafir
- Department of Mother and Child, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.I.); (I.T.); (L.M.T.); (I.M.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Vasile Valeriu Lupu
- Department of Mother and Child, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.I.); (I.T.); (L.M.T.); (I.M.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Iuliana Magdalena Starcea
- Department of Mother and Child, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.I.); (I.T.); (L.M.T.); (I.M.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Mirabela Alecsa
- Department of Mother and Child, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.I.); (I.T.); (L.M.T.); (I.M.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Ionela Daniela Morariu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Delia Lidia Salaru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - Alice Azoicai
- Department of Mother and Child, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.I.); (I.T.); (L.M.T.); (I.M.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
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3
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Agustiningsih A, Rasyak MR, Turyadi, Jayanti S, Sukowati C. The oncogenic role of hepatitis B virus X gene in hepatocarcinogenesis: recent updates. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:120-134. [PMID: 38464387 PMCID: PMC10918233 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancers with high mortality rate. Among its various etiological factors, one of the major risk factors for HCC is a chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV X protein (HBx) has been identified to play an important role in the HBV-induced HCC pathogenesis since it may interfere with several key regulators of many cellular processes. HBx localization within the cells may be beneficial to HBx multiple functions at different phases of HBV infection and associated hepatocarcinogenesis. HBx as a regulatory protein modulates cellular transcription, molecular signal transduction, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, protein degradation pathways, and host genetic stability via interaction with various factors, including its association with various non-coding RNAs. A better understanding on the regulatory mechanism of HBx on various characteristics of HCC would provide an overall picture of HBV-associated HCC. This article addresses recent data on HBx role in the HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustiningsih Agustiningsih
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Rezki Rasyak
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
- Post Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Turyadi
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | - Sri Jayanti
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | - Caecilia Sukowati
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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4
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El-Mowafy M, El-Mesery M, Khalil MAF, El-Mesery A, Elgaml A. Expression and purification of Hepatitis B virus core antigen using Escherichia coli and its utilization for the diagnosis of Hepatitis B virus infections. Biologicals 2024; 85:101726. [PMID: 37979341 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2023.101726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for most of the viral hepatitis worldwide. HBV is a partially double stranded DNA virus that is composed of four main open reading frames (ORFs) encoding its important antigens, namely hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), HBV polymerase and hepatitis B X antigen (HBxAg). In this study, we report a successful method for the cloning and expression of HBcAg. The ORF of HBcAg was successfully amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloned into the expression vector pRSET-B and transformed to Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL-21 (DE3) pLysS strain for protein expression. Successful expression of HBcAg was accomplished, in which an induced protein with a molecular weight of 24 kDa was obtained and confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting. The produced HBcAg was successfully used for the diagnosis of HBV infected patient through detection of antibodies against HBcAg (anti-HBcAg) in the serum of the patient utilizing Western blotting. Overall, this study provides a simple, convenient and efficient protocol for the production of HBcAg that can be used as an important candidate to study the diagnosis and prognosis of HBV disease, as well as for understanding the epidemiological prevalence of HBV cases and production of anti-HBcAg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed El-Mowafy
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Mesery
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A F Khalil
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fayoum University, Fayoum, 63514, Egypt
| | - Ahmed El-Mesery
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Abdelaziz Elgaml
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt; Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, 34518, Egypt.
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5
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Peng TW, Ma QF, Li J, Wang X, Zhang CH, Ma J, Li JY, Wang W, Zhu CL, Liu XH. HBV promotes its replication by up-regulating RAD51C gene expression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2607. [PMID: 38297111 PMCID: PMC10831117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53047-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pegylated-interferon-α(PEG-IFNα) and long-term nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) are mainly drugs used to treat HBV infection, but the effectiveness is unsatisfactory in different populations, the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches is necessary. RAD51C is associated with DNA damage repair and plays an important role in the development and progression of tumors. Early cDNA microarray results showed that RAD51C expression was significantly increased in HBV-infected HCC cells, however, the relationship between HBV infection and abnormal expression of RAD51C has not been reported. Therefore, we conducted RT-PCR, western blot, Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP), and immunofluorescence(IF) to detect HBV-RAD51C interaction in RAD51C overexpression or interfering HCC cells. Our results showed that RAD51C and HBV X protein(HBX) produced a direct interaction in the nucleus, the HBV infection of HCC cells promoted RAD51C expression, and the increased expression of RAD51C promoted HBV replication. This indicated that RAD51C is closely related to the occurrence and development of HCC caused by HBV infection, and may bring a breakthrough in the the prevention and treatment study of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wei Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Qing-Feng Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Jie Li
- China Medical Tribune, Beijing, 100009, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Cong-Hui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Junwen Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Jun-Yi Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, 430034, China.
| | - Cheng-Liang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Xing-Hui Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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6
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Lunel Fabiani F, El Bara A, Hamed CT, LE Guillou Guillemette H. [Delta hepatitis in Africa: epidemiological and clinical particularities]. MEDECINE TROPICALE ET SANTE INTERNATIONALE 2023; 3:mtsi.v3i4.2023.430. [PMID: 38390020 PMCID: PMC10879896 DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v3i4.2023.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections caused 1.5 million deaths, mostly attributable to complications from chronic infections, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the availability of a vaccine, 296 million people were chronically infected in 2019. Asia and Africa are the continents most affected by this infection, with around 100 million people infected in Africa as a whole.Hepatitis Delta or D virus (HDV), which is a "satellite" virus of HBV, is often misunderstood and its diagnosis remains neglected. However, it is associated with acute fulminant forms and chronic forms of hepatitis leading to a more rapid evolution towards cirrhosis and HCC than during HBV mono-infection. Research on these two viruses HBV and HDV has progressed a lot in recent years, and new treatments are currently in development.In people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PlHIV), liver disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Due to common modes of transmission, dual or triple HIV/HBV or HIV/HBV/HDV infections are relatively common, particularly in HBV endemic regions such as Africa. However, while today most co-infected patients benefit from effective treatment against both HIV and HBV, the latter is not active against HDV. In Africa, hepatitis B and D have already been the subject of several studies. However, the frequency and clinical consequences of these co-infections have been little studied in the general population and in PlHIV.This review seeks to update the epidemiological and clinical data and the therapeutic perspectives of HDV co-infections or triple infections (HIV-HBV-HDV) in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Lunel Fabiani
- Service de virologie, Centre hospitalier universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
- Université d'Angers, Laboratoire HIFIH (Hémodynamique, interaction fibrose et invasivité tumorales hépatiques), EA 3859, Angers, France
| | - Ahmed El Bara
- Université d'Angers, Laboratoire HIFIH (Hémodynamique, interaction fibrose et invasivité tumorales hépatiques), EA 3859, Angers, France
| | - Cheikh Tijani Hamed
- INRSP (Institut national de recherche en santé publique), Nouakchott, Mauritanie
| | - Hélène LE Guillou Guillemette
- Service de virologie, Centre hospitalier universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
- Université d'Angers, Laboratoire HIFIH (Hémodynamique, interaction fibrose et invasivité tumorales hépatiques), EA 3859, Angers, France
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7
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Kayesh MEH, Kohara M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Effects of neddylation on viral infection: an overview. Arch Virol 2023; 169:6. [PMID: 38081982 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05930-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Neddylation is a post-translational modification that plays an important role not only in cancer development but also in regulating viral infection and replication. Upregulation of neddylation occurs in viral infections, and inhibition of neddylation can suppress viral replication. Neddylation is thought to enhance viral protein stability and replication. Neddylation has been reported to enhance the stability of the regulatory hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein, modulate viral replication, and enhance hepatocarcinogenesis. Inhibition of neddylation using the NEDD8-activating enzyme E1 inhibitor MLN4924 inhibits viral replication, including that of HBV. Understanding of the role of neddylation in viral infections is critical for developing new therapeutic targets and potential treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the understanding of the effects of neddylation during viral infection, particularly in HBV infection, and strategies for curing viral infection by targeting the neddylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal, 8210, Bangladesh.
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.
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8
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Duchemin NJ, Loonawat R, Yeakle K, Rosenkranz A, Bouchard MJ. Hypoxia-inducible factor affects hepatitis B virus transcripts and genome levels as well as the expression and subcellular location of the hepatitis B virus core protein. Virology 2023; 586:76-90. [PMID: 37490813 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Globally, a chronic-hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) is often elevated in HCC, including HBV-associated HCC. Previous studies have suggested that the expression of the HIF1 subunit, HIF1α, is elevated in HBV-infected hepatocytes; however, whether HIF1 activity affects the HBV lifecycle has not been fully explored. We used a liver-derived cell line and ex vivo cultured primary hepatocytes as models to determine how HIF1 affects the HBV lifecycle. We observed that HIF1 elevates HBV RNA transcript levels, core protein levels, core protein localization to the cytoplasm, and HBV genome replication. Attenuating the transcription activity of HIF1 blocked HIF1-mediated effects on the HBV lifecycle. Our studies show that HIF1 regulates various stages of the HBV lifecycle in hepatocytes and could be a therapeutic target for blocking HBV replication and the development of HBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Duchemin
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Ronak Loonawat
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Kyle Yeakle
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Andrea Rosenkranz
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Michael J Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
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9
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Deng Y, Wang L, Zhang Y, Sun D, Min H, Zhou H, Xu C, Xu N, Qiu F, Zhou J, Zhou J. HBx promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by repressing the transcription level of miR-187-5p. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:7533-7550. [PMID: 37531206 PMCID: PMC10457053 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
HBV-associated hepatitis B virus x protein (HBx) plays multiple roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. In our prior study, we discovered that miR-187-5p expression was inhibited by HBx. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of HBx-mediated miR-187-5p downregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, effects of HBx and miR-187-5p on hepatoma carcinoma cell were observed, as well as their interactions. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR-187-5p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion. Simultaneously, we observed a dysregulation in the expression of miR-187-5p in liver cancer cell lines, which may be attributed to transcriptional inhibition through the E2F1/FoxP3 axis. Additionally, we noted that HBx protein is capable of enhancing the expression of E2F1, a transcription factor that promotes the expression of FoxP3. In conclusion, our results suggest that the inhibitory effect of HBx on miR-187-5p is mediated through the E2F1/FoxP3 axis. As shown in this work, HBx promotes hepatoma carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the E2F1/FoxP3/miR-187 axis. It provides a theoretical basis for finding therapeutic targets that will help clinic treatment for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Deng
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - La Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Dandan Sun
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Hang Min
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Chengchen Xu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Na Xu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Fengwu Qiu
- Hubei Institute of Blood Transfusion, Wuhan Blood Center, Wuhan 430033, China
| | - Jingjiao Zhou
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
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10
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Villanueva RA, Loyola A. Pre- and Post-Transcriptional Control of HBV Gene Expression: The Road Traveled towards the New Paradigm of HBx, Its Isoforms, and Their Diverse Functions. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1674. [PMID: 37371770 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped DNA human virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family. Perhaps its main distinguishable characteristic is the replication of its genome through a reverse transcription process. The HBV circular genome encodes only four overlapping reading frames, encoding for the main canonical proteins named core, P, surface, and X (or HBx protein). However, pre- and post-transcriptional gene regulation diversifies the full HBV proteome into diverse isoform proteins. In line with this, hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a viral multifunctional and regulatory protein of 16.5 kDa, whose canonical reading frame presents two phylogenetically conserved internal in-frame translational initiation codons, and which results as well in the expression of two divergent N-terminal smaller isoforms of 8.6 and 5.8 kDa, during translation. The canonical HBx, as well as the smaller isoform proteins, displays different roles during viral replication and subcellular localizations. In this article, we reviewed the different mechanisms of pre- and post-transcriptional regulation of protein expression that take place during viral replication. We also investigated all the past and recent evidence about HBV HBx gene regulation and its divergent N-terminal isoform proteins. Evidence has been collected for over 30 years. The accumulated evidence simply strengthens the concept of a new paradigm of the canonical HBx, and its smaller divergent N-terminal isoform proteins, not only during viral replication, but also throughout cell pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandra Loyola
- Centro Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 8580702, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7510602, Chile
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11
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Liu C, Zhao K, Chen Y, Yao Y, Tang J, Wang J, Xu C, Yang Q, Zheng Y, Yuan Y, Sun H, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Chen J, Wang Y, Wu C, Pei R, Chen X. Mitochondrial Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Restricts HBV Replication via the TRIM28-Mediated Degradation of HBx. J Virol 2023; 97:e0058023. [PMID: 37166302 PMCID: PMC10231258 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00580-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects hepatic metabolism. Serum metabolomics studies have suggested that HBV possibly hijacks the glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) shuttle. In this study, the two glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GPD1 and GPD2) in the G3P shuttle were analyzed for determining their role in HBV replication and the findings revealed that GPD2 and not GPD1 inhibited HBV replication. The knockdown of GPD2 expression upregulated HBV replication, while GPD2 overexpression reduced HBV replication. Moreover, the overexpression of GPD2 significantly reduced HBV replication in hydrodynamic injection-based mouse models. Mechanistically, this inhibitory effect is related to the GPD2-mediated degradation of HBx protein by recruiting the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM28 and not to the alterations in G3P metabolism. In conclusion, this study revealed GPD2, a key enzyme in the G3P shuttle, as a host restriction factor in HBV replication. IMPORTANCE The glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) shuttle is important for the delivery of cytosolic reducing equivalents into mitochondria for oxidative phosphorylation. The study analyzed two key components of the G3P shuttle and identified GPD2 as a restriction factor in HBV replication. The findings revealed a novel mechanism of GPD2-mediated inhibition of HBV replication via the recruitment of TRIM28 for degrading HBx, and the HBx-GPD2 interaction could be another potential therapeutic target for anti-HBV drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxuan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jielin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chonghui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | | | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chunchen Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongjuan Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xinwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Zhuo H, Wu C, Tang J, Zhang F, Xu Z, Sun D, Teng Y, Tan Z. RP11-40C6.2 Inactivates Hippo Signaling by Attenuating YAP1 Ubiquitylation in Hepatitis B Virus-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:323-333. [PMID: 36643034 PMCID: PMC9817042 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the roles of oncogenic HBV infection-associated long noncoding RNAs in HCC. Methods Bioinformatics analysis of data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was performed to screen potential oncogenic HBV-related lncRNAs. Next, we assessed their expression in clinical samples and investigated their correlation with clinical characteristics. The detailed oncogenic effects were analyzed by performing in vitro and in vivo studies. Results RP11-40C6.2, an HBV infection-related lncRNA, was identified by analysis of the TCGA-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma database. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed a strong association of RP11-40C6.2 with the Hippo signaling pathway. RP11-40C6.2 was overexpressed in HCC patients with HBV infection compared to those without HBV infection. RP11-40C6.2 transcription showed a positive association with HBV-X protein (HBx), but not HBV core protein (HBc) expression, both of which are carcinogenic proteins. Luciferase gene reporter and ChIP assays revealed that YAP1/TAZ/TEADs complex enhanced RP11-40C6.2 transcription by binding to its promoter area. RP11-40C6.2 showed oncogenic characteristics in HCC cell lines and in animal models that were mediated via activation of YAP1. In vitro ubiquitylation assay revealed that RP11-40C6.2 can promote the stabilization of YAP1 by stopping phosphorylation at its s127 residue and further stopping its degradation through binding to 14-3-3. Conclusions RP11-40C6.2 is an HBV infection-related lncRNA that exerts its oncogenic effects by targeting the Hippo signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhuo
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Wu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junwei Tang
- General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feihong Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenggang Xu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongwei Sun
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Teng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongming Tan
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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13
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Choi YM, Kim DH, Jang J, Choe WH, Kim BJ. rt269L-Type hepatitis B virus (HBV) in genotype C infection leads to improved mitochondrial dynamics via the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis in an HBx protein-dependent manner. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:26. [PMID: 36997871 PMCID: PMC10064691 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00440-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In our previous report, the rt269I type versus the rt269L type in genotype C2 infection led to poor clinical outcomes and enhanced mitochondrial stress in infected hepatocytes. Here, we sought to investigate differences between the rt269L and rt269I types in mitochondrial functionality in hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C2 infection, mainly focusing on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated autophagy induction as an upstream signal. METHODS Mitochondrial functionality, ER stress signaling, autophagy induction, and apoptotic cell death between rt269L-type and rt269I-type groups were investigated via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Serum samples were collected from 187 chronic hepatitis patients who visited Konkuk or Seoul National University Hospital. RESULTS Our data revealed that genotype C rt269L versus rt269I infection led to improved mitochondrial dynamics and enhanced autophagic flux, mainly due to the activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the traits found in genotype C rt269L infection were mainly due to increased stability of the HBx protein after deubiquitination. In addition, clinical data using patient sera from two independent Korean cohorts showed that, compared with rt269I, rt269L in infection led to lower 8-OHdG levels, further supporting its improved mitochondrial quality control. CONCLUSION Our data showed that, compared with the rt269I type, the rt269L type, which presented exclusively in HBV genotype C infection, leads to improved mitochondrial dynamics or bioenergetics, mainly due to autophagy induction via activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis in an HBx protein-dependent manner. This suggests that HBx stability and cellular quality control in the rt269L type predominating in genotype C endemic areas could at least partly contribute to some distinctive traits of genotype C infection, such as higher infectivity or longer duration of the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghwa Jang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hyeok Choe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, 05030, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Liver Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
- Seoul National University Medical Research Center (SNUMRC), Seoul, 03080, Korea.
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14
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Takamatsu Y, Hayashi S, Kumamoto H, Imoto S, Tanaka Y, Mitsuya H, Higashi-Kuwata N. A novel anti-HBV agent, E-CFCP, restores Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced senescence-associated cellular marker perturbation in human hepatocytes. Virus Res 2023; 329:199094. [PMID: 36933835 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a cellular state with a broad spectrum of age-related physiological conditions that can be affected by various infectious diseases and treatments. Therapy of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with nucleos(t)ide analogs [NA(s)] is well established and benefits many HBV-infected patients, but requires long-term, perhaps lifelong, medication. In addition to the effects of HBV infection, the effects of NA administration on hepatocellular senescence are still unclear. This study investigated how HBV infection and NA treatment influence cellular senescence in human hepatocytes and humanized-liver chimeric mice chronically infected with live HBV. HBV infection upregulates or downregulates multiple cellular markers including senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity and cell cycle regulatory proteins (e.g., p21CIP1) expression level in hepatocellular nuclei and humanized-mice liver. A novel highly potent anti-HBV NA, E-CFCP, per se did not have significant disturbance on markers evaluated. Besides, E-CFCP treatment restored HBV-infected cells to their physiological phenotypes that are comparable to the HBV-uninfected cells. The results reported here demonstrate that, regardless of the mechanism(s), chronic HBV infection perturbates multiple senescence-associated markers in human hepatocytes and humanized-mice liver, but E-CFCP can restore this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Takamatsu
- Department of Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8655 Japan
| | - Sanae Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556 Japan; Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho, Nagoya, 467-8601 Japan
| | - Hiroki Kumamoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, 10281 Komuro, lna-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, 362-0806 Japan
| | - Shuhei Imoto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1 Ikeda, Nishi, Kumamoto 860-0082 Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556 Japan; Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho, Nagoya, 467-8601 Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuya
- Department of Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8655 Japan; Experimental Retrovirology Section, HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 5A11, Bethesda, MD 20892-1868 USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Kumamoto University Hospital, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556 Japan
| | - Nobuyo Higashi-Kuwata
- Department of Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8655 Japan.
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15
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Li X, Zhu Q, Ye B, Zhu C, Dong Y, Ni Q. JNK/c-Jun pathway activation is essential for HBx-induced IL-35 elevation to promote persistent HBV infection. J Clin Lab Anal 2023; 37:e24860. [PMID: 36916737 PMCID: PMC10098067 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoregulation plays pivotal roles during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Studies have shown that Interleukin (IL)-35 is an important molecule associated with inadequate immune response against HBV. However, the mechanisms involved in the up-regulation of IL-35 expression during persistent HBV infection remain unknown. METHODS In this study, we constructed a plasmid expressing the HBV X protein (pCMV-HBx) to evaluate the relationship between HBx and IL-35. Activation of the JNK/c-Jun pathway was analyzed and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing and luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine whether c-Jun could regulate IL-35 transcription. RESULTS HBx can significantly activate IL-35 promoter in both LO2 and HepG2 cells compared to the control plasmid (pCMV-Tag2) using the dual-luciferase assay. Whereas other viral proteins, such as S, preS1, the core protein, had no significant effect on IL-35 expression. Similarly, WB and qRT-PCR also showed that HBx can significantly promote IL-35 expression at protein and mRNA levels in the aforementioned cells. The relevant pathway mechanism showed that the expression of JNK and c-Jun genes was significantly higher in transfected cells carrying pCMV-HBx than in the pCMV-Tag2-transfected and -untransfected cells. WB analysis revealed that phosphorylated JNK and c-Jun were overexpressed after HBx action. Conversely, the addition of the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway inhibitor could significantly suppress HBx-induced IL-35 expression in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS A novel molecular mechanism of HBV-induced IL-35 expression was revealed, which involves JNK/c-Jun signaling in up-regulating IL-35 expression via HBx, resulting in transactivation of the IL-35 subunit EBI3 and p35 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunxia Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuejiao Dong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Ni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Relevance of HBx for Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054964. [PMID: 36902395 PMCID: PMC10003785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) counts as a major global health problem, as it presents a significant causative factor for liver-related morbidity and mortality. The development of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) as a characteristic of a persistent, chronic infection could be caused, among others, by the pleiotropic function of the viral regulatory protein HBx. The latter is known to modulate an onset of cellular and viral signaling processes with emerging influence in liver pathogenesis. However, the flexible and multifunctional nature of HBx impedes the fundamental understanding of related mechanisms and the development of associated diseases, and has even led to partial controversial results in the past. Based on the cellular distribution of HBx-nuclear-, cytoplasmic- or mitochondria-associated-this review encompasses the current knowledge and previous investigations of HBx in context of cellular signaling pathways and HBV-associated pathogenesis. In addition, particular focus is set on the clinical relevance and potential novel therapeutic applications in the context of HBx.
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17
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Celik-Turgut G, Olmez N, Koc T, Ozgun-Acar O, Semiz A, Dodurga Y, Lale Satiroglu-Tufan N, Sen A. Role of AHR, NF-kB and CYP1A1 crosstalk with the X protein of Hepatitis B virus in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Gene 2023; 853:147099. [PMID: 36476661 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, it was aimed to elucidate the interaction between aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) with hepatitis B virus X protein (HBX) in a human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) transfected with HBX. First, AHR, NF-kB, and CYP1A1 genes were cloned into the appropriate region of the CheckMate mammalian two-hybrid recipient plasmids using a flexi vector system. Renilla and firefly luciferases were quantified using the dual-luciferase reporter assay system to measure the interactions. Secondly, transient transfections of CYP1A1 and NF-kB (RelA) were performed into HBX-positive and HBX-negative HepG2 cells. The mRNA expression of CYP1A1 and NF-kB genes were confirmed with RT-PCR, and cell viability was measured by WST-1. Further verification was assessed by measuring the activity and protein level of CYP1A1. Additionally, CYP1A1/HBX protein-protein interactions were performed with co-immunoprecipitation, which demonstrated no interaction. These results have clearly shown that the NF-kB and AHR genes interact with HBX without involving CYP1A1 and HBX protein-protein interactions. The present study confirms that AHR and NF-kB interaction plays a role in the HBV mechanism mediated via HBX and coordinating the carcinogenic or inflammatory responses; still, the CYP1A1 gene has no effect on this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurbet Celik-Turgut
- Department of Organic Agriculture Management, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Nazmiye Olmez
- Departments of Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Tugba Koc
- Departments of Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Ozden Ozgun-Acar
- Seed Breeding & Genetics Application Research Center, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Asli Semiz
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Dodurga
- Departments of Medical Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | | | - Alaattin Sen
- Departments of Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey; Departments of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, Turkey.
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18
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Mishra AK, Hossain MM, Sata TN, Yadav AK, Zadran S, Sah AK, Nayak B, Shalimar, Venugopal SK. Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Inhibits the Expression of Barrier To Autointegration factor1 via Upregulating miR-203 Expression in Hepatic Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0123522. [PMID: 36519846 PMCID: PMC9927095 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01235-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection targets host restriction factors that inhibit its replication and survival. Previous studies have shown that barriers to autointegration factor1 (BANF1) inhibited the replication of herpes simplex virus and vaccinia virus by binding to phosphate backbone of dsDNA. To date, no reports are available for the interplay between BANF1 and HBV. In this study, we elucidated the mechanisms by which HBV inhibit BANF1. First, the effect of HBV on BANF1 was observed in Huh-7, Hep G2, and Hep G2.2.15 cells. Huh-7 cells were transfected with pHBV1.3 or HBx plasmids. The results showed that there was a decreased expression of BANF1 in Hep G2.2.15 cells (P ≤ 0.005) or in HBV/HBx expressing Huh-7 cells (P ≤ 0.005), whereas BANF1 overexpression decreased viral replication (P ≤ 0.05). To study whether phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of BANF1 was responsible for antiviral activity, mutants were created, and it was found that inhibition due to mutants was less significant compared to BANF1 wild type. Previous studies have shown that HBV, at least in part, could regulate the expression of host miRNAs via HBx. It was found that miR-203 expression was high in Hep G2.2.15 cells (P ≤ 0.005) compared to Hep G2 cells. Next, the effect of HBx on miR-203 expression was studied and result showed that HBx upregulated miR-203 expression (P ≤ 0.005). Overexpression of miR-203 downregulated BANF1 expression (P ≤ 0.05) and viral titer was upregulated (P ≤ 0.05), while inhibition of miR-203, reversed these changes. In conclusion, BANF1 downregulated HBV, whereas HBV inhibited BANF1, at least in part, via HBx-mediated miR-203 upregulation in hepatic cells. IMPORTANCE In this study, for the first time, we found that BANF1 inhibited HBV replication and restricted the viral load. However, as previously reported for other viruses, the results in this study showed that BAF1 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is not involved in its antiviral activity against HBV. HBV infection inhibited the intracellular expression of BANF1, via HBx-mediated upregulation of miR-203 expression. Overexpression of miR-203 downregulated BANF1 and increased the viral titer, while inhibition of miR-203 reversed these changes. This study helped us to understand the molecular mechanisms by which HBV survives and replicates in the host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Mishra
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Musa Hossain
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Teja Naveen Sata
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay K. Yadav
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Shahidullah Zadran
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Amrendra Kumar Sah
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Baibaswata Nayak
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Shalimar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Senthil Kumar Venugopal
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
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19
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PPIases Par14/Par17 Affect HBV Replication in Multiple Ways. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020457. [PMID: 36851672 PMCID: PMC9962505 DOI: 10.3390/v15020457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human parvulin 14 (Par14) and parvulin 17 (Par17) are peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases that upregulate hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication by binding to the conserved 133Arg-Pro134 (RP) motif of HBc and core particles, and 19RP20-28RP29 motifs of HBx. In the absence of HBx, Par14/Par17 have no effect on HBV replication. Interaction with Par14/Par17 enhances the stability of HBx, core particles, and HBc. Par14/Par17 binds outside and inside core particles and is involved in HBc dimer-dimer interaction to facilitate core particle assembly. Although HBc RP motif is important for HBV replication, R133 residue is solely important for its interaction with Par14/Par17. Interaction of Par14 and Par17 with HBx involves two substrate-binding residues, Glu46/Asp74 (E46/D74) and E71/D99, respectively, and promotes HBx translocation to the nucleus and mitochondria. In the presence of HBx, Par14/Par17 are efficiently recruited to cccDNA and promote transcriptional activation via specific DNA-binding residues Ser19/44 (S19/44). S19 and E46/D74 of Par14, and S44 and E71/D99 of Par17, are also involved in the recruitment of HBc onto cccDNA. Par14/Par17 upregulate HBV replication via various effects that are mediated in part through the HBx-Par14/Par17-cccDNA complex and triple HBc, Par14/Par17, and cccDNA interactions in the nucleus, as well as via core particle-Par14/Par17 interactions in the cytoplasm.
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20
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Antiviral Compounds Screening Targeting HBx Protein of the Hepatitis B Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231912015. [PMID: 36233317 PMCID: PMC9569680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231912015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A functional cure of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or HB antigen loss is rarely achieved by nucleos(t)ide analogs which target viral polymerase. HBx protein is a regulatory protein associated with HBV replication. We thought to identify antiviral compounds targeting HBx protein by analyzing HBx binding activity. Recombinant GST-tagged HBx protein was applied on an FDA-approved drug library chip including 1018 compounds to determine binding affinity by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) using a PlexArray HT system. GST protein alone was used for control experiments. Candidate compounds were tested for anti-HBV activity as well as cell viability using HepG2.2.15.7 cells and HBV-infected human hepatocytes. Of the 1018 compounds screened, 24 compounds showed binding to HBx protein. Of the top 6 compounds with high affinity to HBx protein, tranilast was found to inhibit HBV replication without affecting cell viability using HepG2.2.15.7 cells. Tranilast also inhibited HBV infection using cultured human hepatocytes. Tranilast reduced HB antigen level dose-dependently. Overall, theSPRi screening assay identified novel drug candidates targeting HBx protein. Tranilast and its related compounds warrant further investigation for the treatment of HBV infection.
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Feitelson MA, Arzumanyan A, Spector I, Medhat A. Hepatitis B x (HBx) as a Component of a Functional Cure for Chronic Hepatitis B. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092210. [PMID: 36140311 PMCID: PMC9496119 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients who are carriers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are at high risk of chronic liver disease (CLD) which proceeds from hepatitis, to fibrosis, cirrhosis and to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hepatitis B-encoded X antigen, HBx, promotes virus gene expression and replication, protects infected hepatocytes from immunological destruction, and promotes the development of CLD and HCC. For virus replication, HBx regulates covalently closed circular (ccc) HBV DNA transcription, while for CLD, HBx triggers cellular oxidative stress, in part, by triggering mitochondrial damage that stimulates innate immunity. Constitutive activation of NF-κB by HBx transcriptionally activates pro-inflammatory genes, resulting in hepatocellular destruction, regeneration, and increased integration of the HBx gene into the host genome. NF-κB is also hepatoprotective, which sustains the survival of infected cells. Multiple therapeutic approaches include direct-acting anti-viral compounds and immune-stimulating drugs, but functional cures were not achieved, in part, because none were yet devised to target HBx. In addition, many patients with cirrhosis or HCC have little or no virus replication, but continue to express HBx from integrated templates, suggesting that HBx contributes to the pathogenesis of CLD. Blocking HBx activity will, therefore, impact multiple aspects of the host–virus relationship that are relevant to achieving a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Feitelson
- Room 409 Biolife Building, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-204-8434
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Room 409 Biolife Building, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | | | - Arvin Medhat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran 1975933411, Iran
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22
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HBx 128–133 Deletion Affecting HBV Mother-to-Child Transmission Weakens HBV Replication via Reducing HBx Level and CP/ENII Transcriptional Activity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091887. [PMID: 36146694 PMCID: PMC9506584 DOI: 10.3390/v14091887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Some infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers, especially born to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive mothers, can still be infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV and develop chronic HBV infection. At present, the virological factors affecting HBV MTCT are still unclear. In this study, we found that the mutation rates of amino acids in the HBV X region were high, and there were obvious differences between the immunoprophylaxis success group and the immunoprophylaxis failure group of HBeAg-positive mothers. Specifically, the mutation rate of HBx 128–133 deletion (x128–133del) or corresponding nucleotide 1755–1772 deletion (nt1755–1772del) in the immunoprophylaxis success group was significantly higher than that in the immunoprophylaxis failure group. Furthermore, we found that x128–133del could weaken HBV replication by reducing the level of the HBx protein due to the increased proteasome-dependent degradation of HBx protein, and the transcriptional activity of HBV core promoter (CP)/enhancer II (ENII) due to the attenuated binding capacity of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) to HBV CP/ENII. This study suggests that x128–133del may contribute to immunoprophylaxis success, which may be helpful in clarifying the virological mechanism affecting HBV MTCT and formulating an optimal immunization strategy for children born to HBeAg-positive mothers.
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Mersinoglu B, Cristinelli S, Ciuffi A. The Impact of Epitranscriptomics on Antiviral Innate Immunity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081666. [PMID: 36016289 PMCID: PMC9412694 DOI: 10.3390/v14081666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics, i.e., chemical modifications of RNA molecules, has proven to be a new layer of modulation and regulation of protein expression, asking for the revisiting of some aspects of cellular biology. At the virological level, epitranscriptomics can thus directly impact the viral life cycle itself, acting on viral or cellular proteins promoting replication, or impacting the innate antiviral response of the host cell, the latter being the focus of the present review.
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Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Is Stabilized by the Deubiquitinating Enzyme VCPIP1 in a Ubiquitin-Independent Manner by Recruiting the 26S Proteasome Subunit PSMC3. J Virol 2022; 96:e0061122. [PMID: 35695579 PMCID: PMC9278118 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00611-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, and the viral X protein (HBx) is an etiological factor in HCC development. HBx is a high-turnover protein, but knowledge of the role of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) in maintaining HBx homeostasis is very limited. We used a 74-DUB library-based yeast two-hybrid assay and determined that a novel DUB, valosin-containing protein-interacting protein 1 (VCPIP1), interacted with HBx. VCPIP1 and its C-terminal amino acids 863 to 1221 upregulated the HBx protein expression, with or without HBV infection. Mechanistically, VCPIP1 stabilized HBx protein through a ubiquitin-independent pathway, which was validated by the HBx ubiquitination site mutant plasmid. Coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the potency of VCPIP1 in recruiting 26S proteasome regulatory subunit 6A (PSMC3) and forming a ternary complex with HBx through mutual interaction. In vitro, purified His-tagged PSMC3 protein rescued HBx degradation induced by the 20S proteasome, and in vivo VCPIP1 synergized the mechanism. Functionally, HBx specifically binding to VCPIP1 significantly enhanced the transcriptional transactivation of HBx by activating NF-κB, AP-1, and SP-1 and inhibited hepatoma cell clonogenicity in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Moreover, we further demonstrated that overexpression of VCPIP1 significantly affected the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) transcription in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells. Altogether, our results indicate a novel mechanism by which VCPIP1 recruits PSMC3 to bind with HBx, stabilizing it in a ubiquitin-independent manner, which might be critical for developing DUB inhibitors in the future. IMPORTANCE HBx is a multifunctional viral oncoprotein that plays an essential role in the viral life cycle and hepatocarcinogenesis. HBx degradation occurs through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, whether novel compartments of the DUBs in the UPS also act in regulating HBx stability is not fully understood. Here, for the first time, we defined VCPIP1 as a novel DUB for preventing HBx degradation by the 20S proteasome in a ubiquitin-independent manner. PSMC3, encoding the 26S proteasome regulatory subunit, directly stabilized HBx through physical binding instead of a common approach in protein degradation, serving as the key downstream effector of VCPIP1 on HBx. Therefore, the ternary binding pattern between VCPIP1, HBx, and PSMC3 is initiated for the first time, which eventually promotes HBx stability and its functions. Our findings provide novel insights into host-virus cross talk by targeting DUBs in the UPS.
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25
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Hepatitis B virus X protein counteracts high mobility group box 1 protein-mediated epigenetic silencing of covalently closed circular DNA. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010576. [PMID: 35679251 PMCID: PMC9182688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), serving as the viral persistence form and transcription template of HBV infection, hijacks host histone and non-histone proteins to form a minichromosome and utilizes posttranslational modifications (PTMs) "histone code" for its transcriptional regulation. HBV X protein (HBx) is known as a cccDNA transcription activator. In this study we established a dual system of the inducible reporter cell lines modelling infection with wildtype (wt) and HBx-null HBV, both secreting HA-tagged HBeAg as a semi-quantitative marker for cccDNA transcription. The cccDNA-bound histone PTM profiling of wt and HBx-null systems, using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR), confirmed that HBx is essential for maintenance of cccDNA at transcriptionally active state, characterized by active histone PTM markers. Differential proteomics analysis of cccDNA minichromosome established in wt and HBx-null HBV cell lines revealed group-specific hits. One of the hits in HBx-deficient condition was a non-histone host DNA-binding protein high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Its elevated association to HBx-null cccDNA was validated by ChIP-qPCR assay in both the HBV stable cell lines and infection systems in vitro. Furthermore, experimental downregulation of HMGB1 in HBx-null HBV inducible and infection models resulted in transcriptional re-activation of the cccDNA minichromosome, accompanied by a switch of the cccDNA-associated histones to euchromatic state with activating histone PTMs landscape and subsequent upregulation of cccDNA transcription. Mechanistically, HBx interacts with HMGB1 and prevents its binding to cccDNA without affecting the steady state level of HMGB1. Taken together, our results suggest that HMGB1 is a novel host restriction factor of HBV cccDNA with epigenetic silencing mechanism, which can be counteracted by viral transcription activator HBx.
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26
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Montali I, Vecchi A, Rossi M, Tiezzi C, Penna A, Reverberi V, Laccabue D, Missale G, Boni C, Fisicaro P. Antigen Load and T Cell Function: A Challenging Interaction in HBV Infection. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061224. [PMID: 35740243 PMCID: PMC9220332 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment for chronic HBV infection is mainly based on nucleos(t)ide analogues, that in most cases need to be administered for a patient’s lifetime. There is therefore a pressing need to develop new therapeutic strategies to shorten antiviral treatments. A severe dysfunction of virus-specific T cell responses contributes to virus persistence; hence, immune-modulation to reconstitute an efficient host antiviral response is considered a potential approach for HBV cure. In this perspective, a detailed understanding of the different causes of T cell exhaustion is essential for the design of successful functional T cell correction strategies. Among many different mechanisms which are widely believed to play a role in T cell dysfunction, persistent T cell exposure to high antigen burden, in particular HBsAg, is expected to influence T cell differentiation and function. Definitive evidence of the possibility to improve anti-viral T cell functions by antigen decline is, however, still lacking. This review aims at recapitulating what we have learned so far on the complex T cell–viral antigen interplay in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Montali
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Marzia Rossi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Camilla Tiezzi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Amalia Penna
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Reverberi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Diletta Laccabue
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Missale
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Boni
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (P.F.); Tel.: +39-0521-703865 (C.B. & P.F.); Fax: +39-0521-703857 (C.B. & P.F.)
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (I.M.); (A.V.); (M.R.); (C.T.); (A.P.); (V.R.); (D.L.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (P.F.); Tel.: +39-0521-703865 (C.B. & P.F.); Fax: +39-0521-703857 (C.B. & P.F.)
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27
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You H, Qin S, Zhang F, Hu W, Li X, Liu D, Kong F, Pan X, Zheng K, Tang R. Regulation of Pattern-Recognition Receptor Signaling by HBX During Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:829923. [PMID: 35251017 PMCID: PMC8891514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.829923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a small DNA virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a pivotal role in the development of various liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Among the molecules encoded by this virus, the HBV X protein (HBX) is a viral transactivator that plays a vital role in HBV replication and virus-associated diseases. Accumulating evidence so far indicates that pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are at the front-line of the host defense responses to restrict the virus by inducing the expression of interferons and various inflammatory factors. However, depending on HBX, the virus can control PRR signaling by modulating the expression and activity of essential molecules involved in the toll-like receptor (TLR), retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR), and NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathways, to not only facilitate HBV replication, but also promote the development of viral diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms that are linked to the regulation of PRR signaling mediated by HBX to inhibit innate immunity, regulation of viral propagation, virus-induced inflammation, and hepatocarcinogenesis. Given the importance of PRRs in the control of HBV replication, we propose that a comprehensive understanding of the modulation of cellular factors involved in PRR signaling induced by the viral protein may open new avenues for the treatment of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Suping Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fulong Zhang
- Imaging Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliate Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Xiaocui Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliate Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiucheng Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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28
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Takahashi K, Kaneko Y, Shibanai A, Yamamoto S, Katagiri A, Osuga T, Inoue Y, Kuroda K, Tanabe M, Okabayashi T, Naganobu K, Minobe I, Saito A. Identification of domestic cat hepadnavirus from a cat blood sample in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:648-652. [PMID: 35321970 PMCID: PMC9177394 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (Hepadnaviridae) induces chronic hepatitis and hepatic cancer in humans. A novel domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) was recently identified in several
countries, however, the DCH infection status of cats in Japan is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the DCH infection rate of 139 cat samples collected in Japan. We identified one positive
blood sample (0.78%) from a 17-year-old female cat with chronically elevated alanine aminotransferase. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the DCH strain identified in this study is
genetically different from strains in other countries. Further investigations are required to elucidate the evolution of DCH and the impact of DCH infection on hepatic diseases in domestic
cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki
| | - Yasuyuki Kaneko
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki
| | | | - Shushi Yamamoto
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki
| | | | - Tatsuyuki Osuga
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki
| | - Yoshiyuki Inoue
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki
| | - Kohei Kuroda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki
| | | | - Tamaki Okabayashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki.,Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki
| | - Kiyokazu Naganobu
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki
| | | | - Akatsuki Saito
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki.,Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki
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29
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Nečasová I, Stojaspal M, Motyčáková E, Brom T, Janovič T, Hofr C. Transcriptional regulators of human oncoviruses: structural and functional implications for anticancer therapy. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac005. [PMID: 35252867 PMCID: PMC8892037 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription is often the first biosynthetic event of viral infection. Viruses produce preferentially viral transcriptional regulators (vTRs) essential for expressing viral genes and regulating essential host cell proteins to enable viral genome replication. As vTRs are unique viral proteins that promote the transcription of viral nucleic acid, vTRs interact with host proteins to suppress detection and immune reactions to viral infection. Thus, vTRs are promising therapeutic targets that are sequentially and structurally distinct from host cell proteins. Here, we review vTRs of three human oncoviruses: HBx of hepatitis B virus, HBZ of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1, and Rta of Epstein–Barr virus. We present three cunningly exciting and dangerous transcription strategies that make viral infections so efficient. We use available structural and functional knowledge to critically examine the potential of vTRs as new antiviral-anticancer therapy targets. For each oncovirus, we describe (i) the strategy of viral genome transcription; (ii) vTRs’ structure and binding partners essential for transcription regulation; and (iii) advantages and challenges of vTR targeting in antiviral therapies. We discuss the implications of vTR regulation for oncogenesis and perspectives on developing novel antiviral and anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Nečasová
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Scientific Incubator, Královopolská 135, Brno 612 65, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Stojaspal
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Scientific Incubator, Královopolská 135, Brno 612 65, Czech Republic
| | - Edita Motyčáková
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Scientific Incubator, Královopolská 135, Brno 612 65, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Brom
- LifeB, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Janovič
- LifeB, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ctirad Hofr
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Scientific Incubator, Královopolská 135, Brno 612 65, Czech Republic
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30
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus and an important human pathogen. There are an estimated 296 million people in the world that are chronically infected by this virus, and many of them will develop severe liver diseases including hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV is a small DNA virus that replicates via the reverse transcription pathway. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways that govern the replication of HBV and its interactions with host cells. We also discuss viral and non-viral factors that are associated with HBV-induced carcinogenesis and pathogenesis, as well as the role of host immune responses in HBV persistence and liver pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Chuang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kuen-Nan Tsai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jing-Hsiung James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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31
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Xu F, Song H, Xiao Q, Wei Q, Pang X, Gao Y, Tan G. Type-III interferon stimulated gene TRIM31 mutation in an HBV patient blocks its ability in promoting HBx degradation. Virus Res 2022; 308:198650. [PMID: 34863820 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
TRIM5γ, together with TRIM31, has been shown to promote HBx ubiquitination and degradation. This study aimed to explore whether a patient with HCC (hepatic cell carcinoma) having a small nucleotide inserted into the TRIM31 gene, which made a shorter transcript stop at 768 bp, would result in blocking the activity of TRIM31 in promoting HBx degradation. Besides, this study aimed to determine the binding region of the TRIM31-TRIM5γ-HBx complex. HBV (Hepatitis B virus) infection was reported to induce type-III IFN but not type-I or type-II IFNs, here TRIM31 was found to be a type III rather than a type I stimulated gene, which was indispensable in inhibiting the hepatitis B virus replication by the interferon families. Thus, this study further identified the critical role of TRIM31 in the host-hepatitis B virus interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Xu
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Hongxiao Song
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Qingfei Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, Jilin, China
| | - Qi Wei
- Department of Anesthesia, the First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoli Pang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, the First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yanli Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Guangyun Tan
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China.
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32
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Wei J, Shi Y, Zou C, Zhang H, Peng H, Wang S, Xia L, Yang Y, Zhang X, Liu J, Zhou H, Luo M, Huang A, Wang D. Cellular Id1 inhibits hepatitis B virus transcription by interacting with the novel covalently closed circular DNA-binding protein E2F4. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:65-81. [PMID: 34975318 PMCID: PMC8692152 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which required developing novel therapies targeting the inhibition of HBV transcription and replication due to current limited treatment options. We explored novel target for the development of novel therapies targeting the inhibition of HBV replication and transcription. The expression of Id1 and E2F4 in HCC cells and tissues was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. We investigated the Id1 and E2F4-mediated transcription of HBV infection by using HepG2.2.15, HepAD38, HepG2-NTCP cell lines and AAV/HBV-infected mice. Interactions between the two host proteins and viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) were assessed using subcellular localization, protein-protein interaction, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase assays. Ectopic Id1 significantly reduced HBV transcription and replication in both HBV-expressing cells and AAV/HBV-infected mice. Id1 and E2F4 could form a heterodimer to prevent E2F4 from promoting HBV transcription and replication. E2F4 could directly bind to cccDNA and activate the HBV core promoter in cell lines. Furthermore, in vitro binding experiments confirmed that the sequence 1758'-TTAAAGGTC-1766', which is highly conserved among HBV genotypes, is the target site of the E2F4 homodimer. The findings suggest that E2F4 function as novel cccDNA-binding protein to directly activate HBV transcription by binding to Cp promoter region. Our results highlight the ability that E2F4 represent a pan-potential therapeutic target against HBV transcription and provide more clues to better understand the life cycle of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wei
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Yueyuan Shi
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of Yubei District of Chongqing City, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Chunhong Zou
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hongpeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China, 401147, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. Davis Bldg., Room 3094, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Shilei Wang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lulu Xia
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Junye Liu
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Miao Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of Yubei District of Chongqing City, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.,College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China
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Shen Z, Wu J, Gao Z, Zhang S, Chen J, He J, Guo Y, Deng Q, Xie Y, Liu J, Zhang J. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:2157-2171. [PMID: 35137191 PMCID: PMC8887475 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Upon infection of hepatocytes, HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) exists as histone-bound mini-chromosome, subjected to transcriptional regulation similar to chromosomal DNA. Here we identify high mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) protein as a positive regulator of HBV transcription that binds to a conserved ATTGG site within enhancer II/core promoter (EII/Cp) and recruits transcription factors FOXO3α and PGC1α. HMGA1-mediated upregulation of EII/Cp results in enhanced viral gene expression and genome replication. Notably, expression of endogenous HMGA1 was also demonstrated to be upregulated by HBV, which involves HBV X protein (HBx) interacting with SP1 transcription factor to activate HMGA1 promoter. Consistent with these in vitro results, chronic hepatitis B patients in immune tolerant phase display both higher intrahepatic HMGA1 protein levels and higher serum HBV markers compared to patients in inactive carrier phase. Finally, using a mouse model of HBV persistence, we show that targeting endogenous HMGA1 through RNA interference facilitated HBV clearance. These data establish HMGA1 as an important positive regulator of HBV that is reciprocally upregulated by HBV via HBx and also suggest the HMGA1-HBV positive feedback loop as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongliang Shen
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 021 5288 8125; Fax: +86 021 6248 9191;
| | | | | | - Shenyan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity,National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity,National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jingjing He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity,National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity,National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Qiang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Education/National Health Commission/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Youhua Xie
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Youhua Xie. Tel: +86 021 5423 7972; Fax: +86 021 5423 7973;
| | - Jing Liu
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Jing Liu. Tel: +86 021 5423 7972; Fax: +86 021 5423 7973;
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Jiming Zhang. Tel: +86 021 5288 8125; Fax: +86 021 6248 9191;
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Zhang X, Wang Y, Yang G. Research progress in hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0454. [PMID: 34931766 PMCID: PMC9088183 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are a global public health issue. HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the template for the transcription of viral RNAs, is a key factor in the HBV replication cycle. Notably, many host factors involved in HBV cccDNA epigenetic modulation promote the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV cccDNA minichromosome is a clinical obstacle that cannot be efficiently eliminated. In this review, we provide an update on the advances in research on HBV cccDNA and further discuss factors affecting the modulation of HBV cccDNA. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) contributes to HBV cccDNA transcription and the development of hepatocarcinogenesis through modulating host epigenetic regulatory factors, thus linking the cccDNA to hepatocarcinogenesis. The measurable serological biomarkers of continued transcription of cccDNA, the effects of anti-HBV drugs on cccDNA, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting cccDNA are discussed in detail. Thus, this review describes new insights into HBV cccDNA mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for cleaning cccDNA, which will benefit patients with liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
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35
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Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) Protein Expression is Tightly Regulated by N6-methyladenosine Modification of its mRNA. J Virol 2021; 96:e0165521. [PMID: 34851655 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01655-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) encodes a regulatory protein termed HBx, that has been intensely studied in the past and shown to play a key role(s) in viral transcription and replication. In addition, a huge body of work exists in the literature related to signal transduction and possible mechanism(s) leading to hepatocarcinogenesis associated with infection. We have previously reported that HBV transcripts are modified by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) at the single consensus DRACH motif at 1905-1909 nucleotide (nt) in the epsilon structural element and this m6A modification affects the HBV life cycle. In this study, we present evidence that additional variants of m6A (DRACH) motifs are located within 1606 to 1809 nt correspond on the coding region of HBx mRNA and 3' untranslated region (UTR) of other viral mRNAs. Using the mutants of additional m6A site in 1606 to 1809 nt and a depletion strategy of m6A methyltransferases (METTL3/14) and reader proteins (YTHDFs), we show that m6A modification at 1616 nt, located in HBx coding region, regulates HBx protein expression. The HBx RNA and protein expressions were notably increased by the silencing of m6A reader YTHDF2 and methyltransferases as well as the mutation of m6A sites in the HBx coding region. However, other viral protein expressions were not affected by the m6A modification at 1616 nt. Thus, m6A modifications in the HBx open reading frame (ORF), downregulate HBx protein expression, commonly seen during HBV transfections, transgenic mice, and natural infections of human hepatocytes. These studies identify the functional role of m6A modification in the subtle regulation of HBx protein expression consistent with its possible role in establishing chronic hepatitis. Importance N6-methyladenosien (m6A) modifications have been recently implicated in the HBV life cycle. Previously, we observed that m6A modification occurs in the adenosine at 1907 nt of HBV genome and this modification regulates the viral life cycle. Here, we identified an additional m6A site located in 1616 nt of the HBV genome. This modification negatively affects HBx RNA and protein expression. In the absence of m6A methyltransferases (METTL3/14) and reader protein (YTHDF2), the HBx RNA and protein expression were increased. Using HBV mutants that lack m6A in the HBx coding region, we present the unique positional effects of m6A in the regulation of HBx protein expression.
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Medhat A, Arzumanyan A, Feitelson MA. Hepatitis B x antigen (HBx) is an important therapeutic target in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2021; 12:2421-2433. [PMID: 34853663 PMCID: PMC8629409 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human pathogen that has infected an estimated two billion people worldwide. Despite the availability of highly efficacious vaccines, universal screening of the blood supply for virus, and potent direct acting anti-viral drugs, there are more than 250 million carriers of HBV who are at risk for the sequential development of hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). More than 800,000 deaths per year are attributed to chronic hepatitis B. Many different therapeutic approaches have been developed to block virus replication, and although effective, none are curative. These treatments have little or no impact upon the portions of integrated HBV DNA, which often encode the virus regulatory protein, HBx. Although given little attention, HBx is an important therapeutic target because it contributes importantly to (a) HBV replication, (b) in protecting infected cells from immune mediated destruction during chronic infection, and (c) in the development of HCC. Thus, the development of therapies targeting HBx, combined with other established therapies, will provide a functional cure that will target virus replication and further reduce or eliminate both the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic liver disease and HCC. Simultaneous targeting of all these characteristics underscores the importance of developing therapies against HBx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvin Medhat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Azad University, North Unit, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark A Feitelson
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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37
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Canonical and Divergent N-Terminal HBx Isoform Proteins Unveiled: Characteristics and Roles during HBV Replication. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111701. [PMID: 34829930 PMCID: PMC8616016 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) is a viral regulatory and multifunctional protein. It is well-known that the canonical HBx reading frame bears two phylogenetically conserved internal in-frame translational initiation codons at Met2 and Met3, thus possibly generating divergent N-terminal smaller isoforms during translation. Here, we demonstrate that the three distinct HBx isoforms are generated from the ectopically expressed HBV HBx gene, named XF (full-length), XM (medium-length), and XS (short-length); they display different subcellular localizations when expressed individually in cultured hepatoma cells. Particularly, the smallest HBx isoform, XS, displayed a predominantly cytoplasmic localization. To study HBx proteins during viral replication, we performed site-directed mutagenesis to target the individual or combinatorial expression of the HBx isoforms within the HBV viral backbone (full viral genome). Our results indicate that of all HBx isoforms, only the smallest HBx isoform, XS, can restore WT levels of HBV replication, and bind to the viral mini chromosome, thereby establishing an active chromatin state, highlighting its crucial activities during HBV replication. Intriguingly, we found that sequences of HBV HBx genotype H are devoid of the conserved Met3 position, and therefore HBV genotype H infection is naturally silent for the expression of the HBx XS isoform. Finally, we found that the HBx XM (medium-length) isoform shares significant sequence similarity with the N-terminus domain of the COMMD8 protein, a member of the copper metabolism MURR1 domain-containing (COMMD) protein family. This novel finding might facilitate studies on the phylogenetic origin of the HBV X protein. The identification and functional characterization of its isoforms will shift the paradigm by changing the concept of HBx from being a unique, canonical, and multifunctional protein toward the occurrence of different HBx isoforms, carrying out different overlapping functions at different subcellular localizations during HBV genome replication. Significantly, our current work unveils new crucial HBV targets to study for potential antiviral research, and human virus pathogenesis.
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38
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Philips CA, Ahamed R, Abduljaleel JK, Rajesh S, Augustine P. Critical Updates on Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in 2021. Cureus 2021; 13:e19152. [PMID: 34733599 PMCID: PMC8557099 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global healthcare burden in the form of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. There is no definite cure for the virus and even though extensive vaccination programs have reduced the burden of liver disease in the future population, treatment options to eradicate the virus from the host are still lacking. In this review, we discuss in detail current updates on the structure and applied biology of the virus in the host, examine updates to current treatment and explore novel and state-of-the-art therapeutics in the pipeline for management of chronic HBV. Furthermore, we also specifically review clinical updates on HBV-related acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). Current treatments for chronic HBV infection have seen important updates in the form of considerations for treating patients in the immune tolerant phase and some clarity on end points for treatment and decisions on finite therapy with nucleos(t)ide inhibitors. Ongoing cutting-edge research on HBV biology has helped us identify novel target areas in the life cycle of the virus for application of new therapeutics. Due to improvements in the area of genomics, the hope for therapeutic vaccines, vector-based treatments and focused management aimed at targeting host integration of the virus and thereby a total cure could become a reality in the near future. Newer clinical prognostic tools have improved our understanding of timing of specific treatment options for the catastrophic syndrome of ACLF secondary to reactivation of HBV. In this review, we discuss in detail pertinent updates regarding virus biology and novel therapeutic targets with special focus on the appraisal of prognostic scores and treatment options in HBV-related ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac A Philips
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Rizwan Ahamed
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Jinsha K Abduljaleel
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Sasidharan Rajesh
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Philip Augustine
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
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Zafrullah M, Vazquez C, Mixson-Hayden T, Purdy MA. In vitro characterization of six hepatitis B virus genotypes from clinical isolates using transfecting linear HBV genomes. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34723786 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem with about 257 million chronically infected people and over 887000 deaths annually. In this study, 32 whole HBV genomes of various genotypes were amplified from clinical isolates to create transfection clones. The clones were sequenced, and their biological properties characterized by transfecting linear HBV clones into HepG2 cells. We analysed the SPI and SPII promotor regions, X-gene, BCP/PC sequences, core, preS/S and HBV polymerase sequences. HBV clones analysed in this study revealed differential replication kinetics of viral nucleic acids and expression of proteins. Sequence analysis of HBV clones revealed mutations in preS1, preS2 and S genes; deletion and insertion and point mutations in BCP/PC region; including novel and previously reported mutations. Among the patient samples tested, HBV genotype B clones were more likely to have higher frequencies of mutations, while sub-genotype A1 and A2 clones tended to have fewer mutations. No polymerase drug resistant mutations were seen. HBeAg mutations were primarily in the BCP/PC region in genotype B, but core truncations were found in genotype E. S gene mutations affecting HBsAg expression and detection were seen in all genotypes except A2. Using an HBV clone with repetitive terminal sequences and a SapI restriction site allowed us to analyse HBV analyte production in cell culture and characterize the genetics of viral phenotypes using complete HBV genomes isolated from serum/plasma samples of infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zafrullah
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Carlos Vazquez
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.,Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA.,Present address: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Tonya Mixson-Hayden
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Michael A Purdy
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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40
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Alfaro-García JP, Granados-Alzate MC, Vicente-Manzanares M, Gallego-Gómez JC. An Integrated View of Virus-Triggered Cellular Plasticity Using Boolean Networks. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112863. [PMID: 34831086 PMCID: PMC8616224 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-related mortality and morbidity are due to cell/tissue damage caused by replicative pressure and resource exhaustion, e.g., HBV or HIV; exaggerated immune responses, e.g., SARS-CoV-2; and cancer, e.g., EBV or HPV. In this context, oncogenic and other types of viruses drive genetic and epigenetic changes that expand the tumorigenic program, including modifications to the ability of cancer cells to migrate. The best-characterized group of changes is collectively known as the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, or EMT. This is a complex phenomenon classically described using biochemistry, cell biology and genetics. However, these methods require enormous, often slow, efforts to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets. Systems biology can complement and accelerate discoveries in this field. One example of such an approach is Boolean networks, which make complex biological problems tractable by modeling data (“nodes”) connected by logical operators. Here, we focus on virus-induced cellular plasticity and cell reprogramming in mammals, and how Boolean networks could provide novel insights into the ability of some viruses to trigger uncontrolled cell proliferation and EMT, two key hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Paola Alfaro-García
- Molecular and Translation Medicine Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (J.P.A.-G.); (M.C.G.-A.)
| | - María Camila Granados-Alzate
- Molecular and Translation Medicine Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (J.P.A.-G.); (M.C.G.-A.)
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (J.C.G.-G.)
| | - Juan Carlos Gallego-Gómez
- Molecular and Translation Medicine Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia; (J.P.A.-G.); (M.C.G.-A.)
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (J.C.G.-G.)
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41
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Zhao F, Xie X, Tan X, Yu H, Tian M, Lv H, Qin C, Qi J, Zhu Q. The Functions of Hepatitis B Virus Encoding Proteins: Viral Persistence and Liver Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:691766. [PMID: 34456908 PMCID: PMC8387624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.691766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
About 250 million people worldwide are chronically infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV), contributing to a large burden on public health. Despite the existence of vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent infection and suppress viral replication respectively, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) cure remains a remote treatment goal. The viral persistence caused by HBV is account for the chronic infection which increases the risk for developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV virion utilizes various strategies to escape surveillance of host immune system therefore enhancing its replication, while the precise mechanisms involved remain elusive. Accumulating evidence suggests that the proteins encoded by HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antigen, hepatitis B envelope antigen, HBx and polymerase) play an important role in viral persistence and liver pathogenesis. This review summarizes the major findings in functions of HBV encoding proteins, illustrating how these proteins affect hepatocytes and the immune system, which may open new venues for CHB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglin Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xie
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xu Tan
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongli Yu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China
| | - Miaomiao Tian
- Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Huanran Lv
- Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengyong Qin
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianni Qi
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Torre P, Aglitti A, Masarone M, Persico M. Viral hepatitis: Milestones, unresolved issues, and future goals. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4603-4638. [PMID: 34366625 PMCID: PMC8326259 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i28.4603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review the current overall knowledge on hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E will be discussed. These diseases are all characterized by liver inflammation but have significant differences in distribution, transmission routes, and outcomes. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are transmitted by exposure to infected blood, and in addition to acute infection, they can cause chronic hepatitis, which in turn can evolve into cirrhosis. It is estimated that more than 300 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B or C worldwide. Hepatitis D virus, which is also transmitted by blood, only affects hepatitis B virus infected people, and this dual infection results in worse liver-related outcomes. Hepatitis A and E spread via the fecal-oral route, which corresponds mainly to the ingestion of food or water contaminated with infected stools. However, in developed countries hepatitis E is predominantly a zoonosis. Although hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus are usually responsible for a self-limiting hepatitis, a serious, rarely fatal illness is also possible, and in immunosuppressed patients, such as organ transplant recipients, hepatitis E virus infection can become chronic. The description of goals achieved, unresolved issues, and the latest research on this topic may make it possible to speculate on future scenarios in the world of viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Torre
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana,” University of Salerno, Salerno 84081, Italy
| | - Andrea Aglitti
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana,” University of Salerno, Salerno 84081, Italy
| | - Mario Masarone
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana,” University of Salerno, Salerno 84081, Italy
| | - Marcello Persico
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana,” University of Salerno, Salerno 84081, Italy
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Pagani I, Poli G, Vicenzi E. TRIM22. A Multitasking Antiviral Factor. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081864. [PMID: 34440633 PMCID: PMC8391480 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral invasion of target cells triggers an immediate intracellular host defense system aimed at preventing further propagation of the virus. Viral genomes or early products of viral replication are sensed by a number of pattern recognition receptors, leading to the synthesis and production of type I interferons (IFNs) that, in turn, activate a cascade of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) with antiviral functions. Among these, several members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family are antiviral executors. This article will focus, in particular, on TRIM22 as an example of a multitarget antiviral member of the TRIM family. The antiviral activities of TRIM22 against different DNA and RNA viruses, particularly human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and influenza A virus (IAV), will be discussed. TRIM22 restriction of virus replication can involve either direct interaction of TRIM22 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity with viral proteins, or indirect protein–protein interactions resulting in control of viral gene transcription, but also epigenetic effects exerted at the chromatin level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pagani
- Viral Pathogenesis and Biosafety Unit, IRCCS-Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Guido Poli
- Human Immuno-Virology Unit, IRCCS-Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Vicenzi
- Viral Pathogenesis and Biosafety Unit, IRCCS-Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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Gerlich W. Hepatitis B virus - an anaerobic organism? J Hepatol 2021; 75:16-18. [PMID: 33820670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfram Gerlich
- Institute for Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
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Cai G, Yang Q, Sun W. RSF1 in cancer: interactions and functions. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:315. [PMID: 34147108 PMCID: PMC8214769 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RSF1, remodelling and spacing factor 1, is an important interphase centromere protein and is overexpressed in many types of cancers and correlated with poor overall survival. RSF1 has functions mainly in maintaining chromosome stability, facilitating DNA repair, maintaining the protein homeostasis of RSF1 and suppressing the transcription of some oncogenes when RSF1 protein is expressed at an optimal level; however, RSF1 overexpression facilitates drug resistance and cell cycle checkpoint inhibition to prompt cancer proliferation and survival. The RSF1 expression level and gene background are crucial for RSF1 functions, which may explain why RSF1 has different functions in different cancer types. This review summarizes the functional domains of RSF1, the overexpression status of RSF1 and SNF2H in cancer based on the TCGA and GTEX databases, the cancer-related functions of RSF1 in interacting with H2Aub, HDAC1, CENP-A, PLK1, ATM, CENP-S, SNF2H, HBX, BubR1, cyclin E1, CBP and NF-κB and the potential clinical value of RSF1, which will lay a theoretical foundation for the structural biology study of RSF1 and application of RSF1 inhibitors, truncated RSF1 proteins and SNF2H inhibitors in the treatment of RSF1-overexpressing tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyang Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Hepatitis B virus X protein recruits methyltransferases to affect cotranscriptional N6-methyladenosine modification of viral/host RNAs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2019455118. [PMID: 33397803 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019455118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of cellular and viral RNAs is the most prevalent internal modification that occurs cotranscriptionally. Previously, we reported the dual functional role of m6A modification of HBV transcripts in the viral life cycle. Here, we show that viral HBV X (HBx) protein is responsible for the m6A modifications of viral transcripts. HBV genomes defective in HBx failed to induce m6A modifications of HBV RNAs during infection/transfection, while ectopic expression of HBx restores m6A modifications of the viral RNAs but not the mutant HBx carrying the nuclear export signal. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we provide evidence that HBx and m6A methyltransferase complexes are localized on the HBV minichromosome to achieve cotranscriptional m6A modification of viral RNAs. HBx interacts with METTL3 and 14 to carry out methylation activity and also modestly stimulates their nuclear import. This role of HBx in mediating m6A modification also extends to host phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mRNA. This study provides insight into how a viral protein recruits RNA methylation machinery to m6A-modify RNAs.
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Prifti GM, Moianos D, Giannakopoulou E, Pardali V, Tavis JE, Zoidis G. Recent Advances in Hepatitis B Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:417. [PMID: 34062711 PMCID: PMC8147224 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection affects over 250 million chronic carriers, causing more than 800,000 deaths annually, although a safe and effective vaccine is available. Currently used antiviral agents, pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues, have major drawbacks and fail to completely eradicate the virus from infected cells. Thus, achieving a "functional cure" of the infection remains a real challenge. Recent findings concerning the viral replication cycle have led to development of novel therapeutic approaches including viral entry inhibitors, epigenetic control of cccDNA, immune modulators, RNA interference techniques, ribonuclease H inhibitors, and capsid assembly modulators. Promising preclinical results have been obtained, and the leading molecules under development have entered clinical evaluation. This review summarizes the key steps of the HBV life cycle, examines the currently approved anti-HBV drugs, and analyzes novel HBV treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Myrto Prifti
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Dimitrios Moianos
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Erofili Giannakopoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Vasiliki Pardali
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - John E. Tavis
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA;
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
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Lucifora J, Baumert TF. Silencing of the HBV episome through degradation of HBx protein: Towards functional cure? J Hepatol 2021; 74:497-499. [PMID: 33187693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lucifora
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm 1052 - CNRS 5286, 151 cours Albert Thomas, 69424 Lyon Cedex 03, France.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, UMR_S1110, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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HBV-Integration Studies in the Clinic: Role in the Natural History of Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030368. [PMID: 33652619 PMCID: PMC7996909 DOI: 10.3390/v13030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem causing acute and chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is essential for viral replication and the establishment of a persistent infection. Integrated HBV DNA represents another stable form of viral DNA regularly observed in the livers of infected patients. HBV DNA integration into the host genome occurs early after HBV infection. It is a common occurrence during the HBV life cycle, and it has been detected in all the phases of chronic infection. HBV DNA integration has long been considered to be the main contributor to liver tumorigenesis. The recent development of highly sensitive detection methods and research models has led to the clarification of some molecular and pathogenic aspects of HBV integration. Though HBV integration does not lead to replication-competent transcripts, it can act as a stable source of viral RNA and proteins, which may contribute in determining HBV-specific T-cell exhaustion and favoring virus persistence. The relationship between HBV DNA integration and the immune response in the liver microenvironment might be closely related to the development and progression of HBV-related diseases. While many new antiviral agents aimed at cccDNA elimination or silencing have been developed, integrated HBV DNA remains a difficult therapeutic challenge.
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Salerno D, Chiodo L, Alfano V, Floriot O, Cottone G, Paturel A, Pallocca M, Plissonnier ML, Jeddari S, Belloni L, Zeisel M, Levrero M, Guerrieri F. Hepatitis B protein HBx binds the DLEU2 lncRNA to sustain cccDNA and host cancer-related gene transcription. Gut 2020; 69:2016-2024. [PMID: 32114505 PMCID: PMC7569396 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The HBV HBx regulatory protein is required for transcription from the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome and affects the epigenetic control of both viral and host cellular chromatin. DESIGN We explored, in relevant cellular models of HBV replication, the functional consequences of HBx interaction with DLEU2, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expressed in the liver and increased in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in the regulation of host target genes and the HBV cccDNA. RESULTS We show that HBx binds the promoter region, enhances the transcription and induces the accumulation of DLEU2 in infected hepatocytes. We found that nuclear DLEU2 directly binds HBx and the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic active subunit of the polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) complex. Computational modelling and biochemical evidence suggest that HBx and EZH2 share two preferential binding sites in DLEU2 intron 1. HBx and DLEU2 co-recruitment on the cccDNA displaces EZH2 from the viral chromatin to boost transcription and viral replication. DLEU2-HBx association with target host promoters relieves EZH2 repression and leads to the transcriptional activation of a subset of EZH2/PRC2 target genes in HBV-infected cells and HBV-related HCCs. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the ability of HBx to bind RNA to impact on the epigenetic control of both viral cccDNA and host genes and provide a new key to understand the role of DLEU2 and EZH2 overexpression in HBV-related HCCs and HBx contribution to hepatocytes transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Salerno
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Chiodo
- Department of Engineering, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alfano
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052 / CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Oceane Floriot
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052 / CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Grazia Cottone
- Department of Physics and Chemistry - Emilio Segre', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alexia Paturel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052 / CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Safaa Jeddari
- Department of Internal Medicine (DMISM), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Belloni
- Department of Internal Medicine (DMISM), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirjam Zeisel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052 / CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052 / CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
- Department of Internal Medicine (DMISM), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Guerrieri
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052 / CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
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