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A transactivating function encoded in the hepatitis B virus X gene is conserved in the integrated state
M Wollersheim1, U Debelka, P H Hofschneider
1Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie, München, Federal Republic of Germany.
Oncogene
|November 1, 1988
Summary
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) X gene encodes a transactivating factor. This study demonstrates that the HBx gene
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The hepatitis B virus (HBV) X gene is known to encode a transactivating factor.
- Understanding the function of the HBx gene is crucial for HBV research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and test HBx expression plasmids for transactivating function.
- To investigate the transactivating potential of cloned integrated HBV DNA.
Main Methods:
- Construction and cotransfection of HBx expression plasmids with a CAT reporter gene plasmid.
- Transfection into the human cell line CC113 to assess CAT gene expression.
- Sequence analysis of integrated HBV DNA and flanking cellular DNA.
Main Results:
- One HBx expression plasmid showed transient transactivation of CAT gene expression.
- A cloned integrated HBV DNA sequence transactivated viral promoters and LTRs.
- Sequence analysis revealed an intact HBx ORF fused to cellular DNA, forming a ~10 kb cotranscript.
Conclusions:
- The HBx gene is essential for the transactivating function of the integrated HBV DNA.
- Expression of the HBx gene, driven by the HBV enhancer and/or HBx promoter, is required for transactivation.
- This study elucidates the role of the HBx gene in HBV-mediated transactivation.