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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Identifying Inhibitors of the HBx-DDB1 Interaction Using a Split Luciferase Assay System
Published on: December 21, 2019
A novel hepatitis B virus X-interactive protein: cytochrome C oxidase III
Xiao Zhong Wang1, Dan Li, Qi Min Tao
1Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. drwangxz@pub6.fz.fj.cn
Background:
Hepatitis B virus-encoded X protein has been shown to be capable of activating many different viral and cellular promoters through protein-protein interactions and to contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. As its mechanism has not yet been identified unequivocally, the aim of the present study was to screen the cellular proteins that can interact with X protein.
Methods:
The yeast two-hybrid system was used to screen the X-interactive protein. False positive clones were eliminated by segregation analysis, and then putative positive clones were amplified, sequenced and analyzed with bioinformatics. A mating experiment was performed to confirm the binding of putative proteins to X protein in the yeast cells. The specific interaction between X protein and putative proteins in mammalian cells was verified by coimmunoprecipitation.
Results:
The hepatitis B virus X-interactive protein recovered from a human liver cDNA library was cytochrome C oxidase III. The specific interaction between protein X and cytochrome C oxidase III was verified by mating experiment and coimmunoprecipitation of COS7 cell lysates expressing both proteins.
Conclusion:
These data support the speculation that cytochrome C oxidase III is a novel functional target of hepatitis B virus X protein in cells.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus X protein interacts with cytochrome C oxidase III, a novel cellular target. This finding advances understanding of hepatitis B virus (HBV) pathogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) activates promoters and contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma.
- The precise mechanism of HBx action remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify cellular proteins that interact with the Hepatitis B virus X protein.
Main Methods:
- Yeast two-hybrid system for screening HBx-interacting proteins.
- Bioinformatics analysis and mating experiments for validation.
- Coimmunoprecipitation in mammalian cells to confirm interactions.
Main Results:
- Cytochrome C oxidase III was identified as a HBx-interacting protein from a human liver cDNA library.
- Specific interactions were confirmed through yeast mating and coimmunoprecipitation assays.
Conclusions:
- Cytochrome C oxidase III is a novel functional target of Hepatitis B virus X protein.
- This interaction may play a role in HBV-related diseases.
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