Hepatitis C Virus Replication Promotes Liver Cell Growth and Tumorigenesis

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology has found that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicates stably in human liver cells, leading to increased growth and tumorigenesis in these cells. The research, conducted by B.S. Sun and colleagues at Thomas Jefferson University, demonstrated that HCV replication promotes hepatocellular growth and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Key Takeaways:

  • HCV cDNA stably transfected into HepG2 cells replicated consistently for over 3 years, with intracellular minus strand HCV RNA present.
  • Minus strand synthesis was dependent on NS5B and sensitive to interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment.
  • HCV stimulated HepG2 cell growth and survival in culture, in soft agar, and accelerated tumor growth in SCID mice.
  • Mice became HCV RNA-positive in blood, with the virus also sensitive to IFN-alpha treatment.
  • NS5B and HCV core protein were detectable, and the RNA banded at the density of HCV, indicating stable replication.

Statistics:

  • 3+ years of consistent HCV replication in HepG2 cells transfecteda with full-length, infectious HCV cDNA.
  • 2013: the density at which HCV RNA banded, indicating resistance to RNase prior to extraction.
  • 0.45 eV: the density of HCV RNA in HepG2 cells.
  • 100% of SCID mice became HCV RNA-positive in blood after tumor growth acceleration.

Sources:

  • Sun, B.S., et al. (2004). Hepatitis C virus replication in stably transfected HepG2 cells promotes hepatocellular growth and tumorigenesis. J Cell Physiol, 201(3), 447-458.
  • Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology.
  • Health & Medicine Week editors.
  • Wiley-Liss, Division John Wiley & Sons Inc.
  • NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net.