Effects of combined expression of human complement regulatory proteins and H-transferase on the inhibition of complement-mediated cytolysis in porcine embryonic fibroblasts

The expression of human complement regulatory proteins (CRP) and H-transferase (HT) in porcine cells is one of the strategies for suppression of hyperacute rejection (HAR) of xenotransplants in human recipients. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of combined expression of human complement regulators and HT on human serum-mediated cytolysis in porcine embryonic fibroblasts. For the combinated expression of human CRPs in transformed pig cells, cDNAs of human DAF, MCP, and CD59 were cloned into the same insertional plasmid under the control of pCMV IE and LTR. The double combination of CRPs, hDAF-hMCP, and hMCP-hCD59 survived over 50% in the presence of 50% human serum, compared to the control. Moreover, the cell viability was increased more than 65% and 80% in the combination of human DAF-CD59 and DAF-MCP-CD59, respectively. In addition, the combination of HT gene to hDAF-hCD59 vector increased the viability close to 80%, similar to the triple combination of CRPs. These observations suggest that the combined expression of human CRPs and HT in the same insertional vector may be more effective in protecting porcine cells from human complement-mediated cytolysis.

Host cell proteins binding to the encapsidation signal epsilon in hepatitis B virus RNA

The highly conserved encapsidation signal (epsilon) of hepatitis B viral (HBV) pregenomic RNA has been reported as an essential component for encapsidation and protein priming of HBV polymerase. Here, we report that two HBV epsilon RNA-binding host proteins (80 and 43 kDa) and a copurifying protein (100 kDa) were purified and characterized by the combined methods of UV cross-linking analysis with the epsilon RNA and column chromatography. Amino-terminal microsequencing showed that 80- and 43-kDa proteins were identified as the heterodimeric nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF90/NF45) and 100 kDa as a molecular chaperone, the GRP94. The heterodimeric factor interacted preferentially with the upper-bulge region of HBV epsilon RNA helping the HBV polymerase bind the lower-bulge region. Using in vitro protein priming analysis, the initial oligonucleotide of the protein-priming product was deduced as 5'-GAAC-3', which is the complementary sequence of both regions of DR1 and epsilon in the pregenomic RNA. Previously, we also proposed that the GRP94 was associated with HBV polymerase in the human liver cell HepG2. These results suggest that the heterodimeric factor plays an important role in the priming activity of HBV polymerase.

Nucleotide sequence of envelope protein of Japanese encephalitis virus SA14-14-2 adapted to vero cells

Live attenuated Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus SA(14)-14-2 produced in primary dog kidney cells (PDK) was adapted to Vero cells. In an effort to gain insight into the molecular basis of the biological characteristics of the SA14-14-2(Vero) strain, the 1500 nucleotide sequence encoding the envelope (E) gene which possesses major neutralizing epitopes was determined and compared with the sequences of two other attenuated JE virus strains, SA14-14-2(PHK) and SA14-14-2(PDK). The amino acid sequence of the C-terminal region (a.a. 280-500) was found to be identical for all three strains, while the N-terminal region (a.a. 1-279) shows sequence variation. The distribution of mutations in the N-terminal region was nearly the same among the three attenuated strains, suggesting that the N-terminal sequences might be related with virus-host cell specificity. However, it was found that Lys and Val (a.a. 138 and 176, respectively), known to be responsible for attenuation, are still conserved in SA(14)-14-2(Vero). Animal testing showed that SA(14)-14-2(Vero) has an attenuation phenotype similar to that of the parent SA(14)-14-2(PDK) strain in mice.

Transcriptional repression of the human p53 gene by cobalt chloride mimicking hypoxia

The switch to an angiogenic phenotype is known to be a fundamental determinant of neoplastic growth and tumor progression. We herein report that the transcription of the human p53 gene was repressed by treatment with a hypoxia-mimicking concentration of cobalt chloride and alone by hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha. Analyses of serial deletions, site-directed mutageneses and heterologous promoter systems showed that the site responsible for the repression by both factors was the E-box element in the promoter of the p53 gene. These results alongside previous data suggest that the loss of p53 including the transcriptional repression may play an important role in the angiogenic switch during tumorigenesis.

Transcriptional activation of the human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin through the xenobiotic-responsive element

Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals produced during biological oxidations and environmental stress. Here we have investigated the effect of the most toxic dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), on the promoter of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene in HepG2 and HeLa cells using the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene as a reporter. The SOD1 promoter was activated 4- to 5-fold by TCDD treatment, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the level of SOD1 mRNA and the enzymatic activity of the SOD1 protein were also enhanced on exposure of the cells to TCDD. Functional analysis of the regulatory region of the SOD1 gene by deletion and point mutation, and the use of a heterologous promoter system, showed that the SOD1 gene was transactivated by TCDD via the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE). Gel mobility shift assays also confirmed the induction and the inducible binding of a receptor-ligand complex to XRE. Yeast cells that overexpress hSOD1 appeared to be more resistant to TCDD than the wild type. These results demonstrate that SOD1 is induced by TCDD via the XRE. The induced SOD1 may accelerate the neutralization of the superoxide anion and thus reduce the oxidative damage associated with dioxin toxicity.

Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT1-C) represses the enhancer II and pregenomic promoter (EnII/Cp) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) through its responsive site GGAGA and nullifies the HBx-driven transcriptional activation

The immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CsA)-sensitive nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFAT1) has been known to be a transcriptional regulator of cytokine and viral genes during the immune response. By analyses of serial deletion, mutation, and heterologous promoter assay, we report here that the CsA-sensitive NFAT1-C represses the transcriptional activity of enhancer II and pregenomic promoter (EnII/Cp) of HBV through the NFAT1-C responsive site (GGAGA, nt 1603-1618) and nullifies the HBx-driven transcriptional activation of the EnII/Cp of HBV in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that a CsA-sensitive NFAT1-C may control the viral activity in HBV-infected cells by inhibiting the EII/Cp and nullifying the HBx-driven transcriptional activation.

Hepatitis B viral X protein overcomes inhibition of E2F1 activity by pRb on the human Rb gene promoter

Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein is known as an oncogenic transactivator, E2F1 as a positive regulator of the cell cycle, and pRb as a tumor suppressor. Here, we investigated the functional interactions of these proteins on the human Rb promoter. Interestingly, HBx transactivated the Rb promoter cooperatively with E2F1 in HepG2 cells but not in HeLa cells, in which the functions of p53 and pRb are inactive. Combinatorial cotransfection analyses in HepG2 cells showed that HBx overcame the inhibition of E2F1 activity by pRb but not that by p53. Domain analysis showed that aa 47-70 and aa 117-133 of HBx are important for this effect. These results suggest that HBx could inhibit the pRb tumor suppressor and increase E2F1 activity. Our data support the oncogenic potential of HBx, which may cause HBV-infected cells to grow continuously in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Frequency data on four tetrameric STR loci D18S1270, D14S608, D16S3253 and D21S1437 in a Korean population

We present the results of a population study in Korea for four new tetrameric short tandem repeat (STR) loci employing multiplex PCR amplification, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the PCR products and silver staining, which allow single base pair resolution and rapid typing. The loci tested were D18S1270, D14S608, D16S3253 and D21S1437 and all loci showed no significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in more than 100 unrelated Koreans. This allelic frequency data can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a multiplex PCR based DNA profile in the Korean population.

Expression of stable hepatitis B viral polymerase associated with GRP94 in E. coli

We here presented evidence that a 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP94) was associated with hepatitis B viral (HBV) polymerase in the human liver cell HepG2 and this association could be applied even in Escherichia coli. We investigated the role of GRP94 in the expression and stabilization of HBV polymerase in Escherichia coli by coexpression of the two proteins. The affinity column-purified glutathione S-transferase-tagged HBV polymerase (GST-P, 130 kDa) showed a proper molecular size and reverse transcriptase activity on several exogenous templates and was sensitive to specific inhibitors. The GST-P was associated with the maltose-binding protein-tagged GRP94 (MBP-GRP94, 130 kDa) using analyses by an affinity chromatography, native gel electrophoresis and glycerol gradient centrifugation. However, nondenaturing and partially denaturing activity gel analyses showed two active bands of approximately 260 kDa and approximately 130 kDa, respectively. Furthermore, in the presence of the encapsidation signal RNA template (HBV epsilon RNA), the approximately 260-kDa active band was gradually converted to approximately 130 kDa, which implies that HBV polymerase was dissociated from the chaperone GRP94 and bound preferentially to the HBV epsilon RNA. These results suggested that the chaperone GRP94 was necessary for the stabilization and production of HBV polymerase as an active form.

Cloning of a new Bacillus thuringiensis cry1I-type crystal protein gene

A new cry1I-type gene, cry1Id1, was cloned from a B. thuringiensis isolate, and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of Cry1Id1 is 89.7%, 87.2%, and 83.4% identical to the Cry1Ia, Cry1Ib, and Cry1Ic proteins, respectively. The upstream sequence of the cry1Id1 structural gene was not functional as promoter in B. subtilis. The Cry1Id1 protein, purified from recombinant E. coli cells, had a toxicity comparable to that of Cry1Ia against Plutella xylostella, but it was significantly less active than Cry1Ia against Bombyx mori. Cry1Id1 was not active against the coleopteran insect, Agelastica coerulea.

Selective transcriptional regulations in the human liver cell by hepatitis B viral X protein

The hepatitis B viral X protein (HBx) is known as a transcription factor and potential oncogene. To gain a better view of the effect of HBx on the transcriptional regulation in the human liver cell, we constructed a HepG2 cell line stably expressing HBx (HepG2-HBx), and performed cDNA microarray analysis on 588 cellular cDNAs comparing with untransformed control cells. Two genes (IGFR-2, RhoA) of oncogenes, one gene (p55CDC) of cell cycle regulators, three genes (thrombin receptor, MLK-3, MacMARCKS) of intracellular transducers, one gene (HSP27) of stress response proteins, two genes (FAST kinase, Bak) of apoptosis response proteins, one gene (p21(WAF)) of transcription factors were highly up-regulated; one gene (transcription elongation factor SII) of transcription factors and two genes (monocyte chemotactic protein 1, T-lymphocyte-secreted protein I-309) of growth factors were highly down-regulated. These results showed selective transcriptional regulation by HBx in the human liver cell.

Transcriptional repression of the human p53 gene by hepatitis B viral X protein

Hepatitis B viral X protein (HBx) and the human p53 protein (p53) have been known as a transactivator and as a tumor suppressor, respectively. These two proteins have also been known to interact with each other to neutralize their authentic functions and the p53 represses the HBV enhancer/X promoter activity. Here we report that the promoter activity of the human p53 gene was strongly repressed by the HBx using the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) assay. Analyses of serial deletion, site-directed mutagenesis and the heterologous promoter system showed that the site responsible for the repression was the E-box element in the promoter of the p53 gene. In addition, HBx as expected also repressed the activation of the p53 promoter by c-Myc through the E-box element. Northern blot analyses also showed that the expression of the p53 gene in the HepG2-K8 cell line, which expresses HBV genes including HBx, was much more repressed than that of the control cell HepG2. These results with previous data suggest that the shift of the reciprocal inhibitory activities at the levels of protein-protein interaction and transcription between HBx and p53 may play a decisive role in the HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis.

Transcriptional activation of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase genes by panaxadiol ginsenosides extracted from Panax ginseng

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) converts superoxide radical to H(2)O(2), which is in turn broken down to water and oxygen by catalase. Thus, SOD and catalase constitute the first coordinated unit of defence against reactive oxygen species. A wide variety of chemical and environmental factors are known to induce these antioxidant enzymes. Here, we examined the effect of ginseng saponins on the induction of SOD and catalase gene expression. To explore this possibility, the upstream regulatory promoter region of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and catalase genes were linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) structural gene and introduced into human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Total saponin and panaxatriol did not activate the transcription of SOD1 and catalase genes but panaxadiol increased the transcription of these genes about 2-3 fold. Among the panaxadiol ginsenosides, the Rb(2) subfraction appeared to be a major inducer of SOD1 and catalase genes. The specificity of the Rb(2) effect was further confirmed by time course- and dose-dependent induction experiments. These results suggest that the panaxadiol fraction and its ginsenosides could induce the antioxidant enzymes which are important for maintaining cell viability by lowering the level of oxygen radical generated from intracellular metabolism.

The synergistic transactivation of the hepatitis B viral (HBV) pregenomic promoter by the E6 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16 E6) with HBV X protein was mediated through the AP1 site of E element in the enhancer I (EnI) in human liver cell

Infection by HBV of a cell already infected with other viral species or vice versa has been suggested as being involved in hepatocellular carcinoma. Using the CAT assay method, we investigated the interactive roles of HBx and potentially oncogenic and transactivating viral early proteins such as Ad5 E1A, HPV-16 E6, and SV40 T ag. In the presence of HBx, only HPV-16 E6 showed significant synergistic transactivation of EnI. We further investigated the function of the HPV-16 E6 using deletion, heterologous promoter, and mutation analyses on the EnI promoter. The results showed that the synergistic effect was mediated through the AP1 site of the E element in EnI by the direct activation of AP1 and support the idea that the infection by HBV of the cell with other viral species such as HPV-16 could increase the transcription activity of the HBV and other oncogenes containing an AP1 site in the promoter.

Heavy metal-mediated activation of the rat Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene via a metal-responsive element

The Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SODI) catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals produced in the course of biological oxidations. When placed under the control of the rat SOD1 gene promoter and transfected into human HepG2 hepatoma cells, the activity of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene was found to increase three- to four-fold in the presence of heavy metals (cadmium, zinc and copper). Functional analysis of mutant derivatives of the SOD1 gene promoter and the use of a heterologous promoter system confirmed that the induction of the SOD1 gene by metal ions requires a metal-responsive element (MRE) located between positions -273 and -267 (GCGCGCA). It was also shown by gel mobility shift assays that an MRE binding protein is induced by the exposure of the human liver cell line HepG2 to heavy metals. These results suggest that the MRE participates in the induction of the SOD1 gene by heavy metals.

The activation of the rat copper/zinc superoxide dismutase gene by hydrogen peroxide through the hydrogen peroxide-responsive element and by paraquat and heat shock through the same heat shock element

Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protects cells against oxidative hazards by the dismutation of superoxide radicals. The promoter activity of the SOD1 gene was increased 3-5-fold by hydrogen peroxide, paraquat (PQ) and heat shock. Functional analyses of the regulatory region of the SOD1 gene by deletions, mutations, and heterologous promoter systems confirmed the induction of the SOD1 gene by H(2)O(2) through the hydrogen peroxide-responsive element (HRE) (between nucleotides -533 and -520). Gel mobility shift assays showed that the existence of an H(2)O(2)-inducible protein bound to the oligonucleotide of the HRE. Similar analyses showed that the heat shock activated the SOD1 promoter through the heat shock element (HSE) (between nucleotides -185 and -171). A strong specific far-shifted complex with the oligonucleotide of the HSE was observed by the treatment of heat shock. When cells were treated with PQ, a strong far-shifted complex with the HSE was observed and was competed out by the cold HSE probe, indicating that PQ also activated the SOD1 promoter through the same HSE site. It is very interesting to note that chemical and physical stresses, such as PQ and heat shock, respectively, activated the SOD1 promoter through the same cis-element HSE. These results indicate that the SOD1 was inducible by H(2)O(2) through the HRE and by PQ and heat shock through the same HSE to protect cells from oxidative hazards.

Induction of the rat Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene through the peroxisome proliferator-responsive element by arachidonic acid

The Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals produced from biological oxidation and environmental stresses. From the sequence analysis of transcription factor binding sites, the peroxisome proliferator-responsive element (PPRE) was located between nt -797 and -786 of the 5'-flanking sequence of the SOD1 gene. A promoter region was fused to a chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase gene, and the resultant construct was transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. The expression of the SOD1 gene was induced by arachidonic acid (AA). Functional analyses of the PPRE site by deletion, mutations, and the heterologous promoter system confirmed the induction of the SOD1 gene by AA through the PPRE site. Gel mobility shift assays showed AA inducible binding of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) to the PPRE. The intensity of PPAR binding was also increased by the treatment of retinoic acid (RA) and 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA). These results suggest that the PPRE participates in the induction of the rat SOD1 gene by the peroxisome proliferator.

Positive and negative regulatory elements in the upstream region of the rat Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase gene

Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) catalyses the dismutation of superoxide radicals and neutralizes the oxidative effects of various chemicals. Deletion analysis of the upstream region of the rat SOD1 gene revealed that the promoter contains a positive regulatory element (PRE) and a negative regulatory element (NRE), which encompass the regions from -576 to -412 and from -412 to -305 respectively from the site of initiation of transcription. These DNA elements showed enhancer and silencer activities respectively in the natural context and in a heterologous promoter system. Using an electrophoretic-mobility-shift assay and a supershift assay with a specific antibody, the cis-elements of the PRE and NRE were identified as binding sites for transcription factors Elk1 and YY1 (Ying-Yang 1) respectively. Consistent with the presumed roles of the PRE and NRE, Elk1 increased SOD1 gene transcription about 4-5-fold, whereas YY1 exerted a negative effect of about 6-fold. Mutations of the Elk1- and YY1-binding sites led to diminution and elevation respectively of transcriptional activities, both in the natural context and in heterologous promoter systems. These results suggest that the transcription factors Elk1 and YY1, binding in the PRE and NRE respectively, co-ordinate the expression of the SOD1 gene.

Xenobiotic-responsive element for the transcriptional activation of the rat Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene

Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals produced from biological oxidation and environmental stresses. A number of xenobiotics are toxic because they generate free radicals, such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, through a redox cycle. The xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) was located between the nt -268 and -262 region of the 5'-flanking sequence of the SOD1 gene. Functional analyses of this element by deletion, mutations, and heterologous promoter systems confirmed that the expression of the SOD1 gene was induced by a xenobiotic through the XRE. Gel mobility shift assays showed the xenobiotic inducible binding of the receptor-ligand complex to XRE. The cytoplasmic fraction from nontreated HepG2 cells also contains the factor as a cryptic form and prominently reveals its DNA-binding activity by incubation with betaNF in vitro. These results suggest that the XRE participates in the induction of the rat SOD1 gene by xenobiotics.

Overexpression and simple purification of human superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in yeast and its resistance to oxidative stress

The structural gene of human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (hSOD1) was cloned into a yeast expression vector containing the promoter of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene. The recombinant plasmid produced hSOD1 (20 kDa), about 6% of the total cellular protein, and the expressed hSOD1 was enzymatically active. The hSOD1 was purified from the cultured yeast by ammonium sulfate-methanol extraction and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. This relatively simple purification method produced a single band on analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The amount of hSOD1 appeared to be considerably increased in cultures of higher cell density. The yeast overexpressing hSOD1 appeared to be more resistant to oxidative stresses such as paraquat, menadione and heat shock.

Interaction of hepatitis B viral X protein and CCAAT/ enhancer-binding protein alpha synergistically activates the hepatitis B viral enhancer II/pregenomic promoter

The hepatitis B viral X protein (HBx) is known to exert its transactivation activity by the interaction with several cellular transcription factors. Here we report the interaction of HBx and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) and their effects on the enhancer/promoters of hepatitis B virus (HBV). A chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay showed that the cotransfection of HBx and C/EBPalpha strongly activated the enhancer II/pregenomic promoter of HBV in a synergistic manner. This effect was also observed in the heterologous expression system with promoters of SV40 and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase genes. Serial deletion analysis of the enhancer II/pregenomic promoter identified the responsible region (nucleotides 1639-1679), in which two C/EBP-binding sites are located. An in vitro interaction assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that HBx augmented the DNA binding activity of C/EBPalpha by direct interaction with it, and its basic leucine zipper domain was responsible for the interaction with HBx. Domain analysis of HBx showed that the central region (amino acids 78-103) was necessary for direct interaction with C/EBPalpha. However, the complete form of HBx was necessary for the synergistic activation of the HBV pregenomic promoter. These results suggest that the interaction of HBx and C/EBPalpha enhances the transcription of the HBV pregenomic promoter for the effective life cycle of HBV in hepatocytes.

Quadruplex amplification of polymorphic STR loci in a Korean population

Multiplex PCR amplification has been useful for gene mapping with polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) loci. We have tested the four loci D20S470, D13S325, HumFOLP23 and D10S2325 for the simultaneous typing of more than 100 unrelated Koreans. This analysis allows a single base pair resolution and rapid typing with silver staining. The allele and genotype distributions are in accordance with Hardy - Weinberg expectations. These STR loci have proven useful for forensic analysis and paternity tests in which the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci have some limitations.

Insulin activates the hepatitis B virus X gene through the activating protein-1 binding site in HepG2 cells

Insulin stimulates cellular oncogenic activators such as c-jun, c-fos, and c-myc; and hepatitis B virus (HBV) X, a viral transactivator, is known to induce liver cancer in transgenic mice. In this respect, the effect of insulin on the expression of HBx protein was investigated in HepG2 cells. Insulin-stimulated transcription from the HBV X promoter in a dose-dependent manner was assessed by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) assay. A mutation preventing AP-1 binding to the E element abolished the activation of the HBV X promoter by insulin. In addition, insulin stimulated the minimal thymidine kinase (tk) gene promoter activity through both the HBV E element and the consensus AP-1 binding site in HepG2 cells. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) using insulin-treated HepG2 nuclear extracts showed that insulin actually enhanced the binding of nuclear proteins to the HBV E element as well as to the consensus AP-1 binding site. Both HBV E and AP-1 oligonucleotides were effective competitors for this binding. These results showed that insulin elevated the expression of HBx protein through the AP-1 binding site of HBV EnI. We suggest that insulin can augment the role of HBx in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HBV-infected liver, probably through interaction with other cellular oncogenes.

C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta play similar roles in the transcription of the human Cu/Zn SOD gene

Copper/zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) is one of the essential enzymes that protects cells in aerobic conditions. To understand the mechanism of transcriptional regulation of the human Cu/Zn SOD gene, the proximal promoter region of Cu/Zn SOD has been investigated. In a previous study, it was found that transcription factors of the Sp1 and C/EBP family are associated with the expression of human Cu/Zn SOD [Seo et al. (1996). Gene, 178, 177-180]. Of the four known C/EBP activators, the effects of C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta on the transcription of Cu/Zn SOD were examined. Usually, one of the two C/EBP factors, C/EBP alpha or C/EBPbeta, exclusively stimulates the target gene, but, unexpectedly, C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta stimulated the expression of Cu/Zn SOD to a similar extent in our experiments. LIP, a dominant negative regulator of the C/EBP family, inhibited the transcriptional activation of Cu/Zn SOD stimulated by C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta. These results suggest that C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta can substitute each other and play similar roles on the transcription of Cu/Zn SOD.

A negative regulatory element and its binding protein in the upstream of enhancer II of hepatitis B virus

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) core/pregenomic promoter is regulated by enhancer I (ENI) and enhancer II (ENII) which are located upstream of the initiation sites of core/pregenomic transcripts. In this study, we identified a negative regulatory element (NRE) (nt 1576 to 1639) upstream of ENII by serial deletion analysis; a 33 kDa cellular protein in HepG2 cells binds to this element. The NRE has a significant activity if it is located upstream of ENII in HepG2 cells. Mutational analysis showed that the sequence (5'-CCAC-3') from nt 1612 to 1615 is responsible for the repression activity of NRE. Southwestern blotting and UV-crosslinking assays with HepG2 nuclear extracts also demonstrated that the 33 kDa protein in HepG2 cells binds to the sequence. It, thus, appears that the 33 kDa protein is responsible for the repression activity of NRE.

Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) down-regulates hepatitis B virus X promoter activity by the competition for the activating protein 1 binding site and the formation of the ATF2-Jun heterodimer

The hepatitis B viral X promoter is known to be positively autoregulated by its own HBx protein, which also interacts with many cellular regulatory proteins. We investigated the effect of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) on the activity of the X promoter. Cotransfection of the ATF2 expression vector with a X promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plasmid repressed the X promoter activity in HepG2 cells. HBx activated activating protein 1 (AP-1)-mediated transcription through the hepatitis B virus E element by 35-fold, while its activation activity was inhibited in the presence of ATF2, suggesting that ATF2 inhibited the autoactivation of X promoter by HBx and basal transcription mediated by AP-1. Since the binding sites of AP-1 and ATF2 in the hepatitis B virus E element overlap, the repression of X promoter activity by ATF2 is exerted by the competition for the AP-1 binding site and the formation of the ATF2-Jun heterodimer as in the case of the consensus AP-1 element. However, the small X promoter had a ATF2 binding site and was activated by ATF2. These results suggest that the syntheses of X proteins are differentially regulated by ATF2.

RNase H activity of human hepatitis B virus polymerase expressed in Escherichia coli

Human Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) replication is accomplished by its own polymerase. The HBV RNase H domain of HBV polymerase has been expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity column chromatography. The MBP-RNase H fusion protein (43 kDa MBP plus 17 kDa HBV RNase H domain) was proved to be RNase H by in vitro activity assay, inhibitor studies, and mutagenesis. The HBV RNase H domain represented the optimal RNase H activity in the presence of either 8 mM MgCl2 or 16 mM MnCl2. In Tris-Cl buffer, the optimum pH for MBP-RNase H fusion protein is between 7.7 and 8.2. The MBP-RNase H fusion protein required 40 mM monovalent cation for its enzyme activity, whereas it showed lower activity at a salt concentration of more than 100 mM. Ribonucleoside Vanadyl complex (RAV) and 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-monophosphate (dAMP) inhibited the RNase H activity. Moreover, the mutation of highly conserved amino acids in the HBV RNase H domain diminished the RNase H activity. These results clearly suggest that the RNase H activity is separable from viral HBV polymerase enzymatic activities.

C/EBP alpha is a major activator for the transcription of rat Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene in liver cell

The rat Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is expressed in all tissues. Sequence analysis of the SOD1 promoter region showed that none of the cis-elements of hepatocyte-specific nuclear factors (HNF) were observed. The cis-element of C/EBP alpha in the proximal region of the SOD1 promoter and the high level of C/EBP alpha in the liver tissue led us to focus on the transcriptional regulation of the SOD1 gene by C/EBP alpha. Cotransfection assays with the plasmid expressing transcription factor C/EBP alpha showed that C/EBP alpha transactivated SOD1 gene by 27 fold. The marked transactivation and direct binding of C/EBP alpha to the SOD1 promoter were confirmed by deletion analyses and mobility shift assays. These results suggested that C/EBP alpha plays a major role in the tissue distribution of SOD1.

Genetic variations at four tetrameric tandem repeat loci in Korean population

Allele and genotype frequencies for four tetrameric short tandem repeat (STR) loci, HumFES/FPS, HumFOLP23, HumGABRB15, and HumCYAR04, have been determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis from approximately 200 genetically unrelated Koreans. This method allows a single base pair resolution and rapid typing with silver staining. The allele and genotype distributions satisfy Hardy-Weinberg expectation. Also, these STR loci have proven to be useful for forensic analyses and paternity tests in which the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci have some limitations.

The retinoblastoma gene product activates transcription of the hepatitis B virus pregenomic promoter through the Sp1 binding sites

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic promoter is regulated by two enhancers and cis-elements. We have studied whether the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (Rb) modulates the activity of the HBV pregenomic promoter. Cotransfection of the Rb expression vector, phRB, with pCENCAT (containing the pregenomic promoter region: nt 248-1874) increased transcription from the HBV pregenomic promoter in HepG2 cells. Deletion analysis of the pregenomic promoter indicated that the region between nt -96 and -66, which contains two Sp1 binding sites, is responsible for activation by Rb. Mutation of the Sp1 binding sites abolished activation of the pregenomic promoter by Rb in the heterologous and natural promoter context. Therefore, our results suggest that Rb can activate the HBV pregenomic promoter through the Sp1 binding sites.

Sp1 and C/EBP-related factor regulate the transcription of human Cu/Zn SOD gene

The Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is one of the key enzymes that protect cells against oxidative stress. It catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals (O2-) to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. To study the transcriptional regulation of the human Cu/Zn SOD gene, we began by analyzing the 1.5-kb upstream region of the gene (see Kim et al., 1994). The element from nucleotides (nt) -116 to -45 increased the transcriptional activity of Cu/Zn SOD. Analyses by DNase I footprinting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that Sp1 binds to the region from nt -104 to -89 and C/EBP-related factors to the region from nt -64 to -55. Studies using two mutant versions of this promoter, in which the Sp1 and C/EBP-related factor binding sites were deleted, respectively, revealed that Sp1 and C/EBP-related factors activate the transcription of SOD1 gene. An Sp1 expression plasmid, pPacSp1, stimulated the SOD1-linked CAT expression. Cotransfection of the element from nt -116 to -45 with the C/EBP alpha expression vector, pMSV-C/EBP, increased the transcriptional activity of the Cu/Zn SOD in HepG2 cells, but barely in HeLa cells. Because Sp1 is a ubiquitously expressed transcriptional factor, the binding of Sp1 to the proximal upstream region of the Cu/Zn SOD might explain the expression of Cu/Zn SOD in a wide variety of cells.

Transcriptional activation of the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase gene through the AP2 site by ginsenoside Rb2 extracted from a medicinal plant, Panax ginseng

We report here that the ginseng saponins induce the transcription of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1), which is one of the major antioxidant enzymes. Total saponins and panaxatriol did not elevate the level of SOD1, but panaxadiol significantly increased SOD1. Among the panaxadiol fractions, ginsenoside Rb2 was a more specific and more remarkable inducer of the SOD1 gene than ginsenoside Rb1. Deletion analyses of the SOD1 promoter revealed that the proximal promoter is responsible for this induction. Mobility shift assays with cis-elements in the proximal promoter region showed that specific binding of the AP2 transcription factor was significantly increased by treatment with ginsenoside Rb2. Mutations of the AP2 binding sites in the heterologous promoter and natural context systems abolished the transcriptional activation by ginsenoside Rb2. These results suggest that the SOD1 gene was greatly activated by ginsenoside Rb2 through transcription factor AP2 binding sites and its induction.

A positive regulatory sequence of hepatitis B viral small X promoter

Hepatitis B viral X protein (HBx) and small X proteins (HBSx) are known to transactivate promoters for RNA polymerase II and RNA polymerase III. Small X promoter has been mapped in the 5'-distal half of the X open reading frame. A 5'-serial deletion analysis showed that there was a positive regulatory sequence for the efficient transcription of the small X promoter. Two cellular proteins of 110 kDa (p110) and 33 kDa (p33) bound at the 3' and 5' regions of the regulatory sequence, respectively. Mutation of p33-binding and p110-binding sites led to diminution and elevation, respectively, of activation properties of the positive element, suggesting that p33 participates in the transactivation and that p110 has an inhibitory effect on the function of p33. This possibility was further supported by the result demonstrating that in vitro phosphorylation of p110 reduced its target DNA-binding capability.

The catalytic properties of human hepatitis B virus polymerase

The DNA-dependent DNA polymerase (DDDP) and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) activities of hepadnavirus polymerases are both essential for viral replication. Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase has been successfully expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein in frame with maltose-binding protein. The present study was undertaken to characterize these two activities and introduce an in vitro assay system. In situ activity gel assays show that the polymerase has both types of activities. One hundred thirty-four kilodaltons of active full-length product was proteolytically cleaved into approximately 73 kDa of active fragment by proteinase K preincubation. Mutation of conserved YMDD motif also confirms that the activities were due to the recombinant polymerase and that this motif is essential to polymerase activity. Two activities of the polymerase show their optima under conditions of 1 mM (DDDP) or 0.25 mM (RDDP) of MnCl2, 400 mM KCl, 37 degrees C (DDDP) or 24 degrees C (RDDP), and pH 7.0-7.7. Substitution of Mg2+ for Mn2+ results in reduction of processivity, which may explain why Mn2+ supports nucleotide incorporation to a higher level than Mg2+. The polymerase is resistant to aphidicolin. Actinomycin D acts selectively on DDDP activity, whereas phosphonoformic acid inhibits both activities. The in vitro HBV polymerase assay system demonstrated herein will be useful for screening potential HBV polymerase inhibitor for the development of anti-HBV drugs.

Inhibition of PDGF-induced phospholipase C activation by herbimycin A

Herbimycin A, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, dose-dependently reduced PDGF-induced inositol phosphates (IPt) accumulation without effect on phosphatidylethanol (PEt) formation in PLC-gamma 1-overexpressing NIH 3T3 (NIH 3T3 gamma 1) cells. The compound also reduced tyrosine phosphorylations of some proteins including PLC-gamma 1 in response to PDGF. On the other hand, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced phospholipase D (PLD) activation was reduced by herbimycin A in the cells, indicating that the pathways for PLD activation by PDGF and PMA are different from each other. Also, these results suggest that PLC-gamma 1 activation is not always an upstream event for PLD activation and that tyrosine phosphorylation of one or more proteins not affected by herbimycin A should be indispensable for PLD activation in PDGF-stimulated NIH 3T3 gamma 1 cells.

Inhibition of PDGF-induced phosphoinositide-turnover by glucopiericidin A

In the search for a substance which would specifically block a particular step in the signal transduction cascade, we identified glucopiericidin A produced by Streptomyces sp. as an inhibitor of phosphoinositide (PI)-turnover in phospholipase-Cgamma1 (PLC-gamma1) overexpressing NIH 3T3 fibroblasts (NIH 3T3gamma1). Glucopiericidin A inhibited the formation of inositol phosphate (IPt) in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated NIH 3T3gamma1 cells with an IC50 of 5.0 microM. In vitro enzyme assay showed the compound had no inhibitory effect on PLC-gamma1 even at 100 microM concentration. Glucopiericidin A reduced PDGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylations of proteins, including PDGF receptor and PLC-gamma1, in the cells. In contrast, glucopiericidin A showed only a slight inhibitory effect on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced IPt production and protein tyrosine phosphorylations in A431 cells. These results suggest that glucopiericidin A inhibits PDGF-induced activation of PLC-gamma1 by reducing the tyrosine kinase activity of the PDGF receptor and it more potently inhibits PI-turnover induced by PDGF than by EGF.

Transcriptional control of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADH1 gene by autonomously replicating sequence binding factor 1

Autonomously replicating sequence (ARS)-binding factor 1 (ABF1) is a multifunctional protein involved in transcriptional activation and repression, as well as DNA replication, in yeast. The ADH1 gene, encoding alcohol dehydrogenase 1, contains two ABF1 consensus binding sites in the promoter and the coding regions. To examine the effect of ABF1 on expression of the ADH1 gene, we constructed an ADH1-lacZ fusion plasmid. Both ABF1 binding sites appeared to be transcriptional activators because deletions and mutations of these sites decreased transcriptional activity. The ABF1 binding sites also acted in an orientation-independent manner when a synthetic ABF1 binding site was inserted into the yeast CYC1 gene lacking its transcriptional activation region. A gel mobility shift assay showed that ABF1 bound in vitro to both ABF1 binding sites in the promoter and coding regions. In a glycerol medium the degree of activation by ABF1 was higher than in a glucose medium. The expression of ADH1 was activated synergistically by both ABF1 binding sites. These observations suggest that ABF1 transactivates the ADH1 gene through its binding sequences in both the promoter and coding regions.

Structure-function analysis of the DNA binding domain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ABF1

To localize the DNA binding domain of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ars binding factor 1 (ABF1), a multifunctional DNA binding protein, plasmid constructs carrying point mutations and internal deletions in the ABF1 gene were generated and expressed in Escherichia coli. Normal and mutant ABF1 proteins were purified by affinity chromatography and their DNA binding activities were analyzed. The substitution of His61, Cys66 and His67 respectively, located in the zinc finger motif in the N-terminal region (amino acids 40-91), eliminated the DNA binding activity of ABF1 protein. Point mutations in the middle region of ABF1, specifically at Leu353, Leu399, Tyr403, Gly404, Phe410 and Lys434, also eliminated or reduced DNA binding activity. However, the DNA binding activity of point mutants of Ser307, Ser496 and Glu649 was the same as that of wild-type ABF1 protein and deletion mutants of amino acids 200-265, between the zinc finger region and the middle region (residues 323-496) retained DNA binding activity. As a result, we confirmed that the DNA binding domain of ABF1 appears to be bipartite and another DNA binding motif, other than the zinc finger motif, is situated between amino acid residues 323 and 496.

Inhibition of PDGF-induced phospholipase D but not phospholipase C activation by herbimycin A

It is known that PDGF-induced phospholipase D (PLD) activation occurs downstream of phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLC-gamma 1) activation. Herbimycin A, a specific inhibitor of Src family tyrosine kinase, dose-dependently inhibited PDGF-induced PLD activation (IC50 of 8 micrograms/ml) without affecting PLC-gamma 1 activation and significantly reduced PDGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylations of 40-46 kD and 60 kD proteins in PLC-gamma 1-overexpressing NIH 3T3 gamma 1 cells. These results suggest that PLC activation is necessary but not sufficient for PDGF-induced PLD activation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p40-p46 and p60 is thought to be involved in PDGF-induced activation of PLD but not of PLC.

Release of the hepatitis B virus-associated DNA polymerase from the viral particle by the proteolytic cleavage

Previous efforts for biochemical study of the human hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase have been limited by its tight association with viral nucleocapsids. We report here that the soluble DNA polymerase from HBV particles was obtained by low pH treatment of the viral particles followed by incubation with small amounts of subtilisin. By these treatments, the approximately 100-kDa band in the activity gel assay was gradually converted to approximately 70 kDa, which subsequently showed reverse transcriptase activity on several exogenous templates. The single approximately 70-kDa active band, which did not show any DNA polymerase activity in endogenous reaction, was eluted through DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. These results suggest that the approximately 100-kDa protein, most likely the product of HBV Pol open reading frame, is tightly associated with viral nucleocapsids, and the approximately 70-kDa protein, the proteolytic cleavage product of approximately 100-kDa enzyme, is solubilized from viral particles as an active enzyme on exogenous templates.

Identification of the protease domain in NS3 of hepatitis C virus

NS3 of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serine protease that carries out the proteolytic processing of the nonstructural proteins of the HCV polyprotein. Deletion analysis of the N terminus of NS2,3,4 fusion protein revealed that the N-terminal boundary of the active protease resides between amino acids 1050 and 1083. The processing patterns of internal deletion mutants of NS2,3,4 indicated that the C terminus of the enzymically active protease resides between amino acids 1115 and 1218. The N- and C-terminal boundaries of the protease were also confirmed by determining the trans-cleavage activity of internally deleted NS3,4. NS3 protease activity was inhibited by Cu2+ but was slightly enhanced by Zn2+. This report provides a possible approach for development of antiviral agents based on protease inhibitors.

The glucose-dependent transactivation activity of ABF1 on the expression of the TDH3 gene in yeast

Autonomously replicating sequence binding factor 1 (ABF1) has been implicated in the control of a variety of gene expressions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this paper evidence is presented that ABF1 is involved in the glucose-dependent expression of the TDH3 gene which encodes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. ABF1 binds to consensus sites located between -420 and -250, and between +77 and +200, and acts as a transactivator in an orientation-independent manner on both upstream and downstream sites. TDH3-lacZ fusions having an ABF1 consensus motif showed glucose-dependent expression of TDH3, whereas in the abf1 mutant strain JCA35 glucose-dependent expression disappeared. These findings suggest that ABF1 functions as a glucose-dependent transactivator for the expression of the TDH3 gene.

Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding an extracellular alkaline serine protease from Vibrio metschnikovii strain RH530

The gene vapF, encoding VapT, one of the extracellular sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-resistant alkaline serine proteases (Serp) from the Gram- Vibrio metschnikovii strain RH530 has been cloned in Escherichia coli. The recombinant E. coli produced a protease which co-migrated with VapT on gelatin polyacrylamide gels. The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the cloned vapT revealed a single open reading frame of 1641 bp encoding 547 amino acids (aa) (58,961 Da). Upon analysis of the N-terminal aa sequence, VapT was shown to be processed properly in recombinant E. coli and to consist of 428 aa (45,626 Da). The deduced aa sequence of VapT showed significant sequence homology to subtilisin Carlsberg from Bacillus licheniformis, particularly in the regions containing active site residues and calcium-binding sites. VapT had an intervening region of approx. 149 aa between the His and Ser residues of the active site, as compared with other Serp.

Study of 5'-flanking region of human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase

The 5'-flanking region of human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) was cloned from human genomic library for the study of regulation of human SOD1 gene. We determined 3678 nucleotide sequences of 5'-flanking region of human SOD1. The putative binding sites of transcriptional factors such as NF1, Sp1, AP1, AP2, GRE, HSE and NF kappa B were found. The upstream region of this gene was analyzed by deletion and measuring the linked chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activities. Several deletion analyses of promoter activity indicated that there were positive and negative regulatory regions. The region from -1325 bp to -1040 bp was found to have a heat shock response element.

Effect of frameshift mutation in the pre-C region of hepatitis B virus on the X and C genes

We have previously cloned a mutant hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome which had one thymidine addition in the pre-C region resulting in a frameshift mutation in the pre-C region and fusion of the X and C genes. We constructed plasmids containing serially deleted and/or back-mutated (authentic) pre-C regions to study the effect of the frameshift mutation. COS cells transfected with plasmids containing the frameshifted pre-C region produced a 21K C protein (P21c) but not a 22K partially processed pre-C protein (P22). On the other hand, COS cells transfected with plasmids containing the back-mutated pre-C region produced P22. This result was also observed in HepG2-K8 cells producing the mutant HBV particles. Therefore, the pre-C region of HBV is likely to be non-essential for virus replication. COS cells transfected with the plasmid containing a fused X-C open reading frame (ORF) produced a 40K X-C fusion protein. This X-C fusion protein exerted transcriptional trans-activation. These results suggest that the mutant HBV has a C gene with a defective pre-C region and a fused X-C ORF, and hence cannot synthesize 16K HBeAg (P16e).

Isolation and analysis of the rat genomic sequence encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase

A rat genomic DNA (SOD1) encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) (superoxide; superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.1) was cloned and sequenced. The rat SOD1 gene consisted of five exons and four introns spanning about 6 kb. The transcription start point (tsp) was observed 93 bp upstream from the ATG codon by primer extension analysis. The 5'-flanking sequence of SOD1 contained two CCAAT box motifs, a TATA box and four GC-like boxes. In the 3'-flanking region of SOD1, a polyadenylation signal, consensus sequence YGTGTTYY, and a G/T cluster were observed. A rat identifier (ID) sequence, a repetitive element of the rat genome, was located at between 569 and 484 bp upstream from the tsp.

Characterization of the P4 promoter region of the human insulin-like growth factor II gene

The human insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) gene contains four promoters (P1, P2, P3 and P4). In order to determine the mechanism by which the P4 promoter is controlled, the human IGF-II P4 promoter was analyzed in cell lines. DNA sequence analysis of the human IGF-II P4 promoter gene showed that the P4 promoter region contains a TATA-like sequence and several G+C rich regions which are essential for transcription. Analysis of the transcription initiation site by S1 nuclease mapping revealed two transcription start sites; both are located immediately behind TATA-like sequence. To determine the location of sites that may be important for the function of the human IGF-II P4 promoter, we constructed chimeric genes of the human IGF-II P4 promoter fused to the coding region for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). These constructs were transfected into HepG2, PLC/PRF/5, G401 and A549 cells, and were examined for CAT activity. All transfected cells showed a similar profile of CAT activity. Sequences responsible for putative enhancer and silencer regions were identified and the 5' flanking sequences of the human IGF-II P4 promoter contain negative regulatory regions (-213 to -174). The 53-base pair fragment located between 111 and 59 base pairs upstream of the start site contains positive regulatory activity. Gel mobility shift assay showed that Sp1 and another proteins might be involved in positive regulation of the human IGF-II P4 promoter.

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of a minor protease-encoding gene from Serratia marcescens ATCC21074

The gene (smp) encoding an extracellular protease (Smp) from Serratia marcescens ATCC21074 has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli HB101. The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the cloned smp gene revealed a single open reading frame of 1056 bp coding for 352 amino acids (aa) (38,479 Da). The N-terminal aa sequence of Smp excreted from the E. coli host cells revealed that mature Smp consists of 300 aa (32,515 Da). The deduced aa sequence of Smp showed high overall homology (43%) to the Erwinia carotovora metalloprotease, but low homology (15-20%) to other metalloproteases, including the S. marcescens major metalloprotease. The location for three zinc ligands and the active site for Smp was predicted from other metalloproteases. The biochemical properties of Smp show that this enzyme is a metalloprotease whose activity is optimal at pH 8.0 and 50 degrees C.

Replication of a mutant hepatitis B virus with a fused X-C reading frame in hepatoma cells

We have previously described a mutant hepatitis B virus (HBV) with a fused X-C open reading frame (ORF) resulting from a single nucleotide insertion in the X-C overlapping region. A stably transformed cell line producing HBV particles, HepG2-K8, was established by transfecting the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 with a plasmid carrying four tandem repeats of the mutant HBV genome. The virus particles secreted into the culture medium were characterized by density gradient centrifugation and electron microscopy. The particles, similar to Dane particles by morphology and density, contained the mature HBV genome and endogenous DNA polymerase activity. Six HBV-specific transcripts of 4.0, 3.5, 2.2, 2.1, 1.2 and 0.9 kb were detected in HepG2-K8 cells by Northern blot analysis. cDNA cloning and sequence analysis of X mRNA showed that an elongated X ORF encoding 193 amino acids was created by a frameshift mutation in the 3'-terminal region of the wild-type X ORF and that the formation of an in-frame termination codon (TAA) resulted from polyadenylation. This elongated X gene product exerted transcriptional trans-activation.